28 July 2014; Mat 12
The question on Sabbath and the meaning of rest was the devotional discussions I had with Rach yesterday.
Rach managed to get rest everyday and each day there is a section of time for Sabbath. For me, a Sabbath is a break away from the normal routine of activities. It is a trust in God that He will provides and physical rest for us - away from the normal routine activities that we do everyday for 6 days.
We have been able to take our Sabbath - we work 5 days and in fact rested 2 days. Or for Rach we work 12-14 hours and a good physical rest for 8-10 hours a day.
I asked for more - a sabbatical leave of 6 to 12 months away from my work. But the question is what am I going to do during the leave and what am I going to do after the break?
Jesus is the son of God - the Lord of the Sabbath. Rules that were set by the priest on Sabbath in order to justified what they can and don't do on Sabbath - in order to justified their actions if right before God. Jesus in Mat 12 mentioned about David who broke the rules on Sabbath - and He himself was asked if it is ok to heal during Sabbath which was not written or ok. Jesus did the healing.
If then the intent of rest is physical rest - I have it weeks after weeks. I have also managed to get rest and time alone with you every quarter and even every half a year a holiday. It is important for these break - to get back to you and to seek you. But do I really need a half year to a year break?
I recognize the important of being close to God - Sabbath is also about God who provides, God who wants us to rest and still be able to put our trust in His provision.
Lord then let me start small and build deep first in and with you- each day so that when I have a longer break, my routine is well settled and it is from you and purposed by you.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
23 July 2014;
23 July 2014;
My prayer - a struggle between loving God and shunting sins and loving the pleasures and the treasures of the world.
The world is passing away. All that I have- the talents, the time and the treasures will fade away. The house I am in now is a temporal home. So why build the nest up?
Anchor my life and use what I have for the eternal home that Jesus has prepared. Learn and know that the Lord will provide and will watch over me. The holy spirit will guide me in every steps that I take. Can I put all my trust in Him - including the bank accounts that I have?
How then can I start? First - guard the time alone with God. It should be a treasured time in His word, praying and waiting on Him. Know Him through the words. Present each and every steps that He will guide me each day and including the divine appointment - so that the due glory will be given back to God.
Rid of the things of the world that does not build up to a closer relationship with God. Do excellent in my work, but guard against spending time in perfection. Cover each tasks with His wisdom and know that the Lord will supply all my needs to accomplish them and so give glory to the heavenly God.
Build relationship with people - not only my family, but others. Bridge with them so that the words of God can go forth through me.
Stop building up treasures or wealth - for what is sufficient the Lord will provides, but be steward of them. Instead use them for His glory and use the time building relationship with God and people.
So help me in the things I should do and yet failed to do and stop working of the things I should not do that does not add glory to the kingdom of God. Amen.
My prayer - a struggle between loving God and shunting sins and loving the pleasures and the treasures of the world.
The world is passing away. All that I have- the talents, the time and the treasures will fade away. The house I am in now is a temporal home. So why build the nest up?
Anchor my life and use what I have for the eternal home that Jesus has prepared. Learn and know that the Lord will provide and will watch over me. The holy spirit will guide me in every steps that I take. Can I put all my trust in Him - including the bank accounts that I have?
How then can I start? First - guard the time alone with God. It should be a treasured time in His word, praying and waiting on Him. Know Him through the words. Present each and every steps that He will guide me each day and including the divine appointment - so that the due glory will be given back to God.
Rid of the things of the world that does not build up to a closer relationship with God. Do excellent in my work, but guard against spending time in perfection. Cover each tasks with His wisdom and know that the Lord will supply all my needs to accomplish them and so give glory to the heavenly God.
Build relationship with people - not only my family, but others. Bridge with them so that the words of God can go forth through me.
Stop building up treasures or wealth - for what is sufficient the Lord will provides, but be steward of them. Instead use them for His glory and use the time building relationship with God and people.
So help me in the things I should do and yet failed to do and stop working of the things I should not do that does not add glory to the kingdom of God. Amen.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
22 July 2014; Mat 11
22 July 2014; Mat 11
Mat 11 introduce John the baptist.
Many questions were asked about who this John was.
In the OT, the Messiah is prophesied to come after the prophet Elijah comes again. But both Jesus and John themselves answered that John is not Elijah. Of course John cannot be Elijah because that will be reincarnation - Elijah was taken to heaven in a new body and John died.
The coming of Elijah is for the second coming of Christ - He will come again. But John dressed like Elijah and he was the one who prepare the way for Jesus first coming.
The Jews wait for the Messiah and of course if John is not Elijah then Jesus is not the one.
How then we know? How then I know God truth? How do I hear from God? How do I know what is spoken is from God? How do I know that the things that is happening is of God?
The sheep know my voice. The way to know God is to know His voice and be able to discern. The way to know His voice is to know Him. The way to know Him is through the word, spend time, wait upon Him. It is a relationship that needs to be build.
Mat 11 introduce John the baptist.
Many questions were asked about who this John was.
In the OT, the Messiah is prophesied to come after the prophet Elijah comes again. But both Jesus and John themselves answered that John is not Elijah. Of course John cannot be Elijah because that will be reincarnation - Elijah was taken to heaven in a new body and John died.
The coming of Elijah is for the second coming of Christ - He will come again. But John dressed like Elijah and he was the one who prepare the way for Jesus first coming.
The Jews wait for the Messiah and of course if John is not Elijah then Jesus is not the one.
How then we know? How then I know God truth? How do I hear from God? How do I know what is spoken is from God? How do I know that the things that is happening is of God?
The sheep know my voice. The way to know God is to know His voice and be able to discern. The way to know His voice is to know Him. The way to know Him is through the word, spend time, wait upon Him. It is a relationship that needs to be build.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
16 July; Mat 10
16 July; Mat 10
Mat 10 is about the sending out of the disciples.
Jesus the 12 out, but with authority given to them over diseases, the despises, the demon and death. But clear instructions was given to them. They were to go to the various cities of Israel first. They were not to received pay.
The sending out came at a cost - disapproval, persecution, and even death. They were sent out as sheep among wolves.
What is worst then death? To die is to gain in Christ. But are you ready, am I ready to be sent out. I have a family. I have a responsibility. But Jesus said, let the dead bury the dead, sell all your processions...
Here in Singapore, it is a safe haven. Death from sharing the gospel and the good news hardly come with death. It is a good practice ground. There is no fear.
Lord let me start here. Let the considerations that is needed to fund, to feed like what you said in Mat 10:10
no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. (Matthew 10:10 ESV)
Simply, the laborers worked in the field, the field provides the laborer the need, the provision.
Plan as I may, but get it started - this I pray. In fact, as I prayed today for Matty, one of his friend came along and we pray together. So simple.
I ask for this family of mine to be used by you for your glory. If it is your will, help me to bring this family readied for your work both here and else where in 3 years to come.
Mat 10 is about the sending out of the disciples.
Jesus the 12 out, but with authority given to them over diseases, the despises, the demon and death. But clear instructions was given to them. They were to go to the various cities of Israel first. They were not to received pay.
The sending out came at a cost - disapproval, persecution, and even death. They were sent out as sheep among wolves.
What is worst then death? To die is to gain in Christ. But are you ready, am I ready to be sent out. I have a family. I have a responsibility. But Jesus said, let the dead bury the dead, sell all your processions...
Here in Singapore, it is a safe haven. Death from sharing the gospel and the good news hardly come with death. It is a good practice ground. There is no fear.
Lord let me start here. Let the considerations that is needed to fund, to feed like what you said in Mat 10:10
no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. (Matthew 10:10 ESV)
Simply, the laborers worked in the field, the field provides the laborer the need, the provision.
Plan as I may, but get it started - this I pray. In fact, as I prayed today for Matty, one of his friend came along and we pray together. So simple.
I ask for this family of mine to be used by you for your glory. If it is your will, help me to bring this family readied for your work both here and else where in 3 years to come.
Friday, July 11, 2014
11 July 2014; Mat 9:35 to Mat 10
11 July 2014; Mat 9:35 to Mat 10
The harvest is plenty but the labourers are few.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38 ESV)
Pray to the Lord - that you will be sent.
I have not fully recovered from the need to do things slow. Just teach, work on passive income (forex seems good but there is no consistency guarantee). Forex can be done at home, but it needs time to trade but there is no surely a few thousands a month.
I guess I am tired - very tired to continue to work on technical stuff. Not seem to be able to handle the stress when things don't work and enjoy the success of getting it work (mentally tired).
The work and the assignment in Christ is the harvest - when harvest come, there is no time for rest for there is a limit of time the harvest has to be gather.
Am I for the work? What is it to start here?
Pray is the start. Be compel just as Jesus is compelled by compassion for the lost.
Be empowered. All authority is given to the disciple of Christ (Mat 10). Power to overcome disease, the despised, the demon pocessed and death.
And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. (Matthew 10:7-8 ESV)
Open my eyes, touch my heart and strengthen my physical body for the works in Christ.
There is no need for any passive income. Clearly in Mat 10: 9-10
Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
(Matthew 10:9-10 ESV)
The labourers in the harvest field need not to have money to buy food - the harvest in itself provides for it.
Am I ready? Again it all start with prayers, seeking the Lord of the harvest, that I and my family will be sent with authority like sheep among wolves, but assure that the grace of God is sufficient for us.
The harvest is plenty but the labourers are few.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38 ESV)
Pray to the Lord - that you will be sent.
I have not fully recovered from the need to do things slow. Just teach, work on passive income (forex seems good but there is no consistency guarantee). Forex can be done at home, but it needs time to trade but there is no surely a few thousands a month.
I guess I am tired - very tired to continue to work on technical stuff. Not seem to be able to handle the stress when things don't work and enjoy the success of getting it work (mentally tired).
The work and the assignment in Christ is the harvest - when harvest come, there is no time for rest for there is a limit of time the harvest has to be gather.
Am I for the work? What is it to start here?
Pray is the start. Be compel just as Jesus is compelled by compassion for the lost.
Be empowered. All authority is given to the disciple of Christ (Mat 10). Power to overcome disease, the despised, the demon pocessed and death.
And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. (Matthew 10:7-8 ESV)
Open my eyes, touch my heart and strengthen my physical body for the works in Christ.
There is no need for any passive income. Clearly in Mat 10: 9-10
Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
(Matthew 10:9-10 ESV)
The labourers in the harvest field need not to have money to buy food - the harvest in itself provides for it.
Am I ready? Again it all start with prayers, seeking the Lord of the harvest, that I and my family will be sent with authority like sheep among wolves, but assure that the grace of God is sufficient for us.
Monday, July 07, 2014
7 July 2014; Mat 9
7 July 2014; Mat 9
I had a strange dream. In that dream I was dancing with a young girl, but I knew that nothing "good" will come out of the relationship - because I am blessed with a happy family of 3 children and a lovely wife. That which I once desired when I was young has now came to fulfillment. I longed for a family that is be able to live to old age with my wife. I longed to have a son and God gave 2 plus a beautiful daughter.
The dream also made me realised that I am not young any more. There are dreams that were fulfilled, but still more not yet and probably not. Are those not fulfilled ok with me and can I live with regret for their un-fulfillment?
In Mat 9, there was a woman with the issue of blood, a paralytic and 2 blind men. They had been waiting as outcast and hoping for healing. If Jesus did not pass and cross paths with them, they probably not be able to travel to get themselves healed.
What is then that I want and what is that I need?
I need Jesus - for without Him, I will have nothing but of the world requirements to prove myself in status and in wealth.
I want a legacy for my family - but now I cannot and exactly articulate what are these legacies.
I will want my children to fear God - to know what is right and wrong in the values of God and the world. It will be a conscience and the knowledge of God and the prompting of the Holy spirit that they will be able to hear and discern the right to do and say. It is about knowing Jesus. How then my children can know Jesus? Disciple them through leading by examples - time spend with God and let every action and speech about a relationship with God. Let Jesus be real and be part of our everyday lives.
I had a strange dream. In that dream I was dancing with a young girl, but I knew that nothing "good" will come out of the relationship - because I am blessed with a happy family of 3 children and a lovely wife. That which I once desired when I was young has now came to fulfillment. I longed for a family that is be able to live to old age with my wife. I longed to have a son and God gave 2 plus a beautiful daughter.
The dream also made me realised that I am not young any more. There are dreams that were fulfilled, but still more not yet and probably not. Are those not fulfilled ok with me and can I live with regret for their un-fulfillment?
In Mat 9, there was a woman with the issue of blood, a paralytic and 2 blind men. They had been waiting as outcast and hoping for healing. If Jesus did not pass and cross paths with them, they probably not be able to travel to get themselves healed.
What is then that I want and what is that I need?
I need Jesus - for without Him, I will have nothing but of the world requirements to prove myself in status and in wealth.
I want a legacy for my family - but now I cannot and exactly articulate what are these legacies.
I will want my children to fear God - to know what is right and wrong in the values of God and the world. It will be a conscience and the knowledge of God and the prompting of the Holy spirit that they will be able to hear and discern the right to do and say. It is about knowing Jesus. How then my children can know Jesus? Disciple them through leading by examples - time spend with God and let every action and speech about a relationship with God. Let Jesus be real and be part of our everyday lives.
Friday, July 04, 2014
4 July 2014; Mat 8
4 July 2014; Mat 8
I woke up not rejoicing. I looked at Mat who is happy just going to school. I asked him why is he happy - just because he has daddy.
I was having tea and looked at the coffee shop auntie who served me tea. Her pay is definitely not more than mine. But she is happy.
I received a call from KM for tea yesterday and share with him my thoughts. Just to be with Jesus. Just like Mat who don't always get his Mac happy meal, but he is happy when dad buy him one once a while. It is not about material procession and the accumulation of wealth. And who is Mat as compares to his peers - they are all nobody. But they are happy just with their dad. The coffee auntie is just happy because she can be with her family - I saw her son coming to the coffee shop and give her a hug.
The Cost of Following Jesus Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:18-22 ESV)
Jesus has no permanent shelter (or no fix basic needs) and of course no material wealth to offer (like the man who probably going to inherit his father wealth first before he follow Christ).
But remember Jesus touch the diseased. He share the needs of the heart - more than the need of the daily basic. Mat don't need to know how his father will provide, but know that when he is hungry, he will always have something to eat. He enjoy "nata de coco" and is very happy whenever we buy him.
Just be with Jesus, just be with my family. Enjoy the time with Jesus and enjoy the time with my family.
I went to see the doc and had a appointment for a spinal scan. It reminds me of age. I need to take care of this temple. For without it, I cannot fully enjoy the time with my family and be able to do and follow Jesus (physical doing).
Rest well, eat well, exercise well and be mentally off stress and spiritual feed. These are simple five points to take care of the temple.
I woke up not rejoicing. I looked at Mat who is happy just going to school. I asked him why is he happy - just because he has daddy.
I was having tea and looked at the coffee shop auntie who served me tea. Her pay is definitely not more than mine. But she is happy.
I received a call from KM for tea yesterday and share with him my thoughts. Just to be with Jesus. Just like Mat who don't always get his Mac happy meal, but he is happy when dad buy him one once a while. It is not about material procession and the accumulation of wealth. And who is Mat as compares to his peers - they are all nobody. But they are happy just with their dad. The coffee auntie is just happy because she can be with her family - I saw her son coming to the coffee shop and give her a hug.
The Cost of Following Jesus Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:18-22 ESV)
Jesus has no permanent shelter (or no fix basic needs) and of course no material wealth to offer (like the man who probably going to inherit his father wealth first before he follow Christ).
But remember Jesus touch the diseased. He share the needs of the heart - more than the need of the daily basic. Mat don't need to know how his father will provide, but know that when he is hungry, he will always have something to eat. He enjoy "nata de coco" and is very happy whenever we buy him.
Just be with Jesus, just be with my family. Enjoy the time with Jesus and enjoy the time with my family.
I went to see the doc and had a appointment for a spinal scan. It reminds me of age. I need to take care of this temple. For without it, I cannot fully enjoy the time with my family and be able to do and follow Jesus (physical doing).
Rest well, eat well, exercise well and be mentally off stress and spiritual feed. These are simple five points to take care of the temple.
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
1 July 2014; Mat 8
1 July 2014; Mat 8
Mat 8 began with 3 stories of Jesus miracles deeds - healing a leper, healing a centurion's servant and Peter's mother-in-law.
The way Jesus healed the leper - He touched him. It was considered unclean to touch a leper. Even the cloths that was touched has to be thrown into the fire and be burnt. Jesus demonstrate a different Lord. He erased the norm of a religious leader.
Jesus healed a gentile. This demonstrated that God comes for all.
Jesus healed a woman - again He touched her. This breaks the then social norm and show God comes to both man and woman.
And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” (Matthew 8:2 ESV)
There is a different in Jesus ability to heal - His power to heal and the will to heal. the leper recognise that. How about us? We come to God for a healing and blame God for not being heal? In all the things that happen - Jesus heal for the glory of God. The sickness that is not heal is also for the intent for the glory of God. The leper knew Jesus power as well as His sovereign will to heal or not to heal.
The centurion represent the then ruler over the Jews. The centurion need not to speak to Jesus in that manner. He commands his soldier to go and he will go, but instead he ask Jesus to just say the command to him - so that his servant can be healed. The centurion know Jesus authority - above him.
Peter's mother-in-law did not say a word but express gratitude through the preparation of the meal for Jesus.
Matthew summed by the 3 deeds of miracles by
That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:16-17 ESV)
Jesus is the promise that God is giving to Israel. He touched the socially not acceptable to show that He accepts them as well as the sickness. With authority Jesus has over the all sickness and spirit and the people knew.
Who is then Jesus to me? He wants to touch my heart - to do a healing of the past. What faith do I have in this Christ that He can do a heart surgery in me. The leper who is an outcast can now be accepted by others. The paralysis servant can now walk. Peter's mother-in-law can now get out of bed and prepared a meal.
Where is the joy? I need a change - a reflection in all situation that the glory of God can be seen.
Mat 8 began with 3 stories of Jesus miracles deeds - healing a leper, healing a centurion's servant and Peter's mother-in-law.
The way Jesus healed the leper - He touched him. It was considered unclean to touch a leper. Even the cloths that was touched has to be thrown into the fire and be burnt. Jesus demonstrate a different Lord. He erased the norm of a religious leader.
Jesus healed a gentile. This demonstrated that God comes for all.
Jesus healed a woman - again He touched her. This breaks the then social norm and show God comes to both man and woman.
And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” (Matthew 8:2 ESV)
There is a different in Jesus ability to heal - His power to heal and the will to heal. the leper recognise that. How about us? We come to God for a healing and blame God for not being heal? In all the things that happen - Jesus heal for the glory of God. The sickness that is not heal is also for the intent for the glory of God. The leper knew Jesus power as well as His sovereign will to heal or not to heal.
The centurion represent the then ruler over the Jews. The centurion need not to speak to Jesus in that manner. He commands his soldier to go and he will go, but instead he ask Jesus to just say the command to him - so that his servant can be healed. The centurion know Jesus authority - above him.
Peter's mother-in-law did not say a word but express gratitude through the preparation of the meal for Jesus.
Matthew summed by the 3 deeds of miracles by
That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:16-17 ESV)
Jesus is the promise that God is giving to Israel. He touched the socially not acceptable to show that He accepts them as well as the sickness. With authority Jesus has over the all sickness and spirit and the people knew.
Who is then Jesus to me? He wants to touch my heart - to do a healing of the past. What faith do I have in this Christ that He can do a heart surgery in me. The leper who is an outcast can now be accepted by others. The paralysis servant can now walk. Peter's mother-in-law can now get out of bed and prepared a meal.
Where is the joy? I need a change - a reflection in all situation that the glory of God can be seen.
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