23 June 2015; Gen 28
Esau must have made Rebekah sad. Gen 26 v34-35
When Esau was forty years old, he took Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite to be his wife, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.
(Genesis 26:34-35 ESV)
When Jacob was sent away because Esau was angry with Jacob for stealing his blessings from Issac, Issac told Jacob
Jacob Sent to Laban
Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women.
(Genesis 28:1 ESV)
In addition, Esau realized his mistake and tried to make good by marrying again
Esau Marries an Ishmaelite
Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan-aram to take a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and gone to Paddan-aram. So when Esau saw that the Canaanite women did not please Isaac his father, Esau went to Ishmael and took as his wife, besides the wives he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth.
(Genesis 28:6-9 ESV)
Yesterday, I asked what if I am Esau? At the very first, the story of Issac and Rebekah and the extend what Abraham did in order to ensure the blood line remains "pure" physically. There was no and no compromise in accepting a Hittite or Canaanite as a wife. Yet Esau did the opposite. It pains his parent. Issac must be sad too, but because he loved Esau and Esau was his first born, he still gives his blessings. But Rebekah did not compromise, she wrestle the blessings from Esau and give it to Jacob.
In the end, Jacob was sent away and Esau had Issac inheritance, which is from Abraham and even more! But but, Issac did not care about that and he only want Jacob not to take a wife from the Canaanite women.
It seem so mild, but once sin (or in this case marriage), the introduction will degenerate and slowly from it and into it. Lot stay near Sodom, but finally ended in Sodom.
Esau was forty years old when he took the Hittite wife. It was the doing of Issac and Rebekah and therefore Esau must have did it in disobedience. So much so that he has to make good later (Gen 28 v 8 - So when Esau ...) the word so explained Esau knew what he did was wrong.
Let the generation this and next, continue to steadfast in faith and continue to serve you.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
22 June; Gen 27
22 June; Gen 27
Jacob cheated the blessings of Issac from Esau. With Rebekah help, Jacob managed to deceive Issac.
I will like to know Esau response - why? I may not always in the best position like Jacob, with pre-destine future revelation from God, with help from the mother.
On the other hand, Esau has the liking of Issac. What if Esau did not sell his birth right to Jacob, which Esacu claimed that Jacob had deceived it? If I am Esau and I have not eaten that stew, I will still be deceived by Rebekah. Yes I will be angry, angry with Rebekah and angry with Jacob and maybe angry with God.
What then is the theology behind? God chooses Him He chooses. OK. He is God.
If God chooses Issac and not Esau, I need to learn how to acknowledge that sovereignty. He is God and He know what is He doing. I should not be angry with Him. So did He made Rebekah do what she need to do? Or Rebekah is trying to fulfill the "hidden" word given by the Lord when she was with the twins? I will checked with Rebekah. But nevertheless, there was favoritism in the family. Jacob was liked by Rebekah and Issac liked Esau. Esau had the upper hand. Just that the game was played and Esau lost out in the last round - failed to anticipate the move by Rebekah.
But after all, again, she is the mother. I just want to know why Esau cannot be loved like Jacob by Rebekah. As a son, I will choose to love, respect my mother.
As Jacob is my brother, nothing should be thicker than blood.
Again, I as Esau will choose not to be angry with God, my mother and my brother. Difficult, but this is my family.
Jacob cheated the blessings of Issac from Esau. With Rebekah help, Jacob managed to deceive Issac.
I will like to know Esau response - why? I may not always in the best position like Jacob, with pre-destine future revelation from God, with help from the mother.
On the other hand, Esau has the liking of Issac. What if Esau did not sell his birth right to Jacob, which Esacu claimed that Jacob had deceived it? If I am Esau and I have not eaten that stew, I will still be deceived by Rebekah. Yes I will be angry, angry with Rebekah and angry with Jacob and maybe angry with God.
What then is the theology behind? God chooses Him He chooses. OK. He is God.
If God chooses Issac and not Esau, I need to learn how to acknowledge that sovereignty. He is God and He know what is He doing. I should not be angry with Him. So did He made Rebekah do what she need to do? Or Rebekah is trying to fulfill the "hidden" word given by the Lord when she was with the twins? I will checked with Rebekah. But nevertheless, there was favoritism in the family. Jacob was liked by Rebekah and Issac liked Esau. Esau had the upper hand. Just that the game was played and Esau lost out in the last round - failed to anticipate the move by Rebekah.
But after all, again, she is the mother. I just want to know why Esau cannot be loved like Jacob by Rebekah. As a son, I will choose to love, respect my mother.
As Jacob is my brother, nothing should be thicker than blood.
Again, I as Esau will choose not to be angry with God, my mother and my brother. Difficult, but this is my family.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
21 June; Gen 26
21 June; Gen 26
Issac sow and in the same year, he reaped a hundredth fold. The Lord bless. So much so that the king Abimelech knew, he did not try to thumb Issac, even though his herdsmen made difficulties concerning the wells that Issac dug.
I want that blessings. And as I read Ps Edmund book, it start with a need to return to God, to recognize that we are spiritual beings and prayers is essential for us to God. Until we are desperate because we have nothing, holy desperation. nothing happens, then turn that desperation back to our need for God. Prayer is about coming back to God. Spiritual intimacy is borne out of spiritual hunger.
I pray that the venture that I intent to venture is with God and need His blessings.
Issac sow and in the same year, he reaped a hundredth fold. The Lord bless. So much so that the king Abimelech knew, he did not try to thumb Issac, even though his herdsmen made difficulties concerning the wells that Issac dug.
I want that blessings. And as I read Ps Edmund book, it start with a need to return to God, to recognize that we are spiritual beings and prayers is essential for us to God. Until we are desperate because we have nothing, holy desperation. nothing happens, then turn that desperation back to our need for God. Prayer is about coming back to God. Spiritual intimacy is borne out of spiritual hunger.
I pray that the venture that I intent to venture is with God and need His blessings.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
20 June 2015; Gen 25
20 June 2015; Gen 25
Abraham had another 6 sons, besides Ismael and Issac. He gave them gifts and sent them away eastward, but to Issac he gave his all. When he died, Ismael and Issac buried him.
Rebekah had 2 sons in her womb, she ask God and was answered, two nations, the older will serve the younger.
Yea, if I am Issac or Jacob. I know then my life will be blessed, watch over, whom shall I fear. But if I am Ismael, Easu... how? Can we ask ho? Or just accept it? Or can we change anything? If yes how, if no how... So many unanswered questions of unfairness, pre-destination...
Does Ismael and Easu knew about what was said to their parents? Maybe yes and maybe no. It is quite easy to have the NO, because we continue to live life as if it the future is the same as what we have not known.
If the answer is YES, how then should we live life? Rejected, condemn, angry, unfair, rebel... I will take the plea of King Hezekiah, and continue to plea..
But and nevertheless, the bible did not go in details the generations of Ismael and mentioned about the rise and fall. Maybe there were some great kings and blessed like David and Solomon. Israel did not know God either and was set on a path of destruction, but it is the Lord who kept the covenant and preserve the linkage.
Therefore, be it known or not known about the bad "covenant", the "pre-destination" words, keep close to God, least that the generations after me forget. This generation neglect, the next generation forget and the third generation reject. Yes, grumble and tell the next generation how unfair God is towards Esau as compare to Jacob, by the third generation, they will reject God. Instead, accept God and keep God.
What exactly do you want? to win to rule over your brothers, to have the most blessings, more blessings than your brothers. It became so worldly. Who then is God? Is he not someone who want to bless us, not the way we define blessings. Reject and forget, then it will be totally wayward, even if you can proclaim that it is not through God I can achieve all these material blessings by my own effort. Generations of not knowing God will follow... then this is really sad.
Abraham had another 6 sons, besides Ismael and Issac. He gave them gifts and sent them away eastward, but to Issac he gave his all. When he died, Ismael and Issac buried him.
Rebekah had 2 sons in her womb, she ask God and was answered, two nations, the older will serve the younger.
Yea, if I am Issac or Jacob. I know then my life will be blessed, watch over, whom shall I fear. But if I am Ismael, Easu... how? Can we ask ho? Or just accept it? Or can we change anything? If yes how, if no how... So many unanswered questions of unfairness, pre-destination...
Does Ismael and Easu knew about what was said to their parents? Maybe yes and maybe no. It is quite easy to have the NO, because we continue to live life as if it the future is the same as what we have not known.
If the answer is YES, how then should we live life? Rejected, condemn, angry, unfair, rebel... I will take the plea of King Hezekiah, and continue to plea..
But and nevertheless, the bible did not go in details the generations of Ismael and mentioned about the rise and fall. Maybe there were some great kings and blessed like David and Solomon. Israel did not know God either and was set on a path of destruction, but it is the Lord who kept the covenant and preserve the linkage.
Therefore, be it known or not known about the bad "covenant", the "pre-destination" words, keep close to God, least that the generations after me forget. This generation neglect, the next generation forget and the third generation reject. Yes, grumble and tell the next generation how unfair God is towards Esau as compare to Jacob, by the third generation, they will reject God. Instead, accept God and keep God.
What exactly do you want? to win to rule over your brothers, to have the most blessings, more blessings than your brothers. It became so worldly. Who then is God? Is he not someone who want to bless us, not the way we define blessings. Reject and forget, then it will be totally wayward, even if you can proclaim that it is not through God I can achieve all these material blessings by my own effort. Generations of not knowing God will follow... then this is really sad.
19 June
19 June 2015
Reflecting on Gen 24, I have been asking God, why again the project funding was rejected. That means my promotion is at stake. What is the sign? Gen 24 is about moving onward.
Today at a conversation with Mr Plato, the seminar coordinator, he mentioned that he had a brother in law who is a computer engineer and works in a bank and command a good pay. At the factory visit, a conversation with the factory in-charge Mr Tom Harrison, he mentioned that do what you like, a tune that struck me. When I was at the park, I looked at the family, the kids, it remind me about my focus.
I decide like the servant of Abraham, God, let me set up the transfer account using my POSB to do Forex again. If all is well during these 2-3 days, let this me a sign that I will devote my time in doing finance, doing something I like as well as something I can do at home.
Yes I am disappointed. I ask that if it is possible, let me work with the students, something I enjoyed, even working towards a possible students project combining with YEP using technology and engineering.
Reflecting on Gen 24, I have been asking God, why again the project funding was rejected. That means my promotion is at stake. What is the sign? Gen 24 is about moving onward.
Today at a conversation with Mr Plato, the seminar coordinator, he mentioned that he had a brother in law who is a computer engineer and works in a bank and command a good pay. At the factory visit, a conversation with the factory in-charge Mr Tom Harrison, he mentioned that do what you like, a tune that struck me. When I was at the park, I looked at the family, the kids, it remind me about my focus.
I decide like the servant of Abraham, God, let me set up the transfer account using my POSB to do Forex again. If all is well during these 2-3 days, let this me a sign that I will devote my time in doing finance, doing something I like as well as something I can do at home.
Yes I am disappointed. I ask that if it is possible, let me work with the students, something I enjoyed, even working towards a possible students project combining with YEP using technology and engineering.
Friday, June 19, 2015
19 June 2015; Gen 24
19 June 2015; Gen 24
Abraham tasked his servant to find a wife for Issac.
As I read the passage, there are a number of non-logical and unlikely probable for the successful event.
This wife should not be among the Canaanites, the place Issac lives. It must be from Abraham kin man. Issac is not on the journey and the girl must be willing to leave her father's home and followed the servant to a foreign land.
I do admit that I do not have the faith that is is going to be deal that will fall through.
What is Abraham intention? The land that Abraham lives was filled with people who do not know God and by accepting someone who compromise, will bring a break away from the faith. What then is my compromise? Abraham knows that this "pure" linkage" has to be preserved.
This speaks to be as a father, what is most important in the family - that my children will continue to see and keep God in their heart. That also, the generations to come will have no compromise but kept this faith.
Rebekah must also leave her home, followed an unknown man, married an unknown man, go to a foreign land... so much is at stake.
Like Abraham, who decided when called to leave, started off a faith journey to a foreign land. The Lord see him through and bless him.
What did Rebekah see or called to? I don't know, why she was willing to gave up all that she had and all the comfort?
Well, she and her father family may have heard about Abraham. But where is Abraham and Issac. Maybe, the servant had not withhold the gifts (a sign that only the price of God) can afford.
What do I have to leave behind? the things that is not pleasing to God, the time I have not spent with Him when I did when I go overseas. It is therefore not so much of leaving but for me, more of returning to my roots - my faith, my God.
Abraham tasked his servant to find a wife for Issac.
As I read the passage, there are a number of non-logical and unlikely probable for the successful event.
This wife should not be among the Canaanites, the place Issac lives. It must be from Abraham kin man. Issac is not on the journey and the girl must be willing to leave her father's home and followed the servant to a foreign land.
I do admit that I do not have the faith that is is going to be deal that will fall through.
What is Abraham intention? The land that Abraham lives was filled with people who do not know God and by accepting someone who compromise, will bring a break away from the faith. What then is my compromise? Abraham knows that this "pure" linkage" has to be preserved.
This speaks to be as a father, what is most important in the family - that my children will continue to see and keep God in their heart. That also, the generations to come will have no compromise but kept this faith.
Rebekah must also leave her home, followed an unknown man, married an unknown man, go to a foreign land... so much is at stake.
Like Abraham, who decided when called to leave, started off a faith journey to a foreign land. The Lord see him through and bless him.
What did Rebekah see or called to? I don't know, why she was willing to gave up all that she had and all the comfort?
Well, she and her father family may have heard about Abraham. But where is Abraham and Issac. Maybe, the servant had not withhold the gifts (a sign that only the price of God) can afford.
What do I have to leave behind? the things that is not pleasing to God, the time I have not spent with Him when I did when I go overseas. It is therefore not so much of leaving but for me, more of returning to my roots - my faith, my God.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
18 Jun; Gen 26
18 Jun; Gen 26
Sarah died. But the family line continue. I am glad that I am bless with a family, with 2 sons and a daughter. The line continue, but what is continued in this line?
I read the book by Ps Edmund, who mentioned that as head of the house, the father must should and point the family to God. And second, in a story-telling mode, tell the children the awesomeness of God. I can do the latter and as the former, I ask for the Lord to help me. Basically, I need first to keep myself focus on Him, that I may have God in and out of my life, so that my life, me deeds, my words, me being speaks and tell about God.
Coming to Sheffield is a good start. In fact getting up at 0530hrs, does not even give me enough time to worship, read, mediate and pray. A 20 minutes jog in Singapore weather will take a much longer time to cool down and wash up. Maybe the jog should finish before 6am.
I also need to find time that I can share stories and do devotion with my children, so that they can too catch God. Again help me.
Abraham had a free offer - he is the price of God. the people will willing to give him a piece of land to bury Sarah, but he did not. He pay for it. He pay for the land in Hitties. That basically, has long and future indication that the land belongs to Abraham. He paid for it.
As I reflect, I have not the time to ponder over how should the family prudently and in a manner of good stewardship use the saving. Lord help me and even to a decision to invest in another property.
God are you not... In Ps Edmund book King Jehoshaphat prayed. God of course is not, but on the contrary is. When Jehoshaphat asked, he knew God is an is able to remind the this God is and is able. Do I know god, such that I know too and know what God wants in my life?
I enjoyed the comments. Lord let me put salt in somebody life. I knew that some do read and it is just a waste of time and some just blog about events. Again in his book, Ps Edmund, encourage us to keep a journal, a track down memory lane that we can see and remember the good and the faithful things that God has done for us in our life.
Sarah died. But the family line continue. I am glad that I am bless with a family, with 2 sons and a daughter. The line continue, but what is continued in this line?
I read the book by Ps Edmund, who mentioned that as head of the house, the father must should and point the family to God. And second, in a story-telling mode, tell the children the awesomeness of God. I can do the latter and as the former, I ask for the Lord to help me. Basically, I need first to keep myself focus on Him, that I may have God in and out of my life, so that my life, me deeds, my words, me being speaks and tell about God.
Coming to Sheffield is a good start. In fact getting up at 0530hrs, does not even give me enough time to worship, read, mediate and pray. A 20 minutes jog in Singapore weather will take a much longer time to cool down and wash up. Maybe the jog should finish before 6am.
I also need to find time that I can share stories and do devotion with my children, so that they can too catch God. Again help me.
Abraham had a free offer - he is the price of God. the people will willing to give him a piece of land to bury Sarah, but he did not. He pay for it. He pay for the land in Hitties. That basically, has long and future indication that the land belongs to Abraham. He paid for it.
As I reflect, I have not the time to ponder over how should the family prudently and in a manner of good stewardship use the saving. Lord help me and even to a decision to invest in another property.
God are you not... In Ps Edmund book King Jehoshaphat prayed. God of course is not, but on the contrary is. When Jehoshaphat asked, he knew God is an is able to remind the this God is and is able. Do I know god, such that I know too and know what God wants in my life?
I enjoyed the comments. Lord let me put salt in somebody life. I knew that some do read and it is just a waste of time and some just blog about events. Again in his book, Ps Edmund, encourage us to keep a journal, a track down memory lane that we can see and remember the good and the faithful things that God has done for us in our life.
17 June; Gen 22
17 June; Gen 22
Because you have not withheld your only son, I will surely bless you.
What is that we have that is not God ? What am I still hoping after? What is that I am going after?
Rather ask, what is that I have that I can give back to God. I am placed at the market place so that I can serve Him. What do I have that is consider a sacrifice?
Going back to reflect on a movie "Trash", the kids kept the wallet and goes against all odds, not because of cash, but " it is not right". What is not right by simply return the wallet is that corruption continue, the rich and powerful continue to thumb down the weak and the poor.
What is right? Right is masking that is not right right. Giving in to evil is condoning it and God hate that evil. In David story, stealing from a poor man by someone who has much,is wrong.
Going after a wealth for self limitation and exaltation is self righteous, is pride. Therefore, as Abraham was asked to sacrifice Issac, my sacrifice is then the desire for self exaltation. Instead, use the time, the knowledge for the exaltation of God. This can be done if people is my business. Spend time investing in people. From Issac come the nation. From the act of not with holding Isaac for sacrifice, God will surely bless.
My desire to create a business, not with holding for sacrifice, and instead use the remaining energy and time to invest in the youth for God. Why youth? Simply I am in the education line. A natural opportunities.
God will surely bless
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
17 June; Isa 25
17 June 2015
Isaiah 25
Indeed there is no God has created the world, the beautiful place, and that awesome. He is exalted, the king is exalted on high.
Yes, I can understand that awesome power of God. What tall building that cannot be brought down, if God is to sent a quake (as I reflect from the movie Sans Andreas) - like you can send cloud to cover the heat (v5). But this should goes beyond the understanding, what is seen - the power reveal the existence of God, the power of God.
What is unseen, is that this God wants to dwell in our heart, a place that seems too small to accommodate Him. The Lord wants to wipe away the tears on our face (v8).
Which side of God do I want to see? Use me my Lord, for if you can destroy the great things on earth created by man, but created the great things on earth for man, I want to be the latter.
On the other hand, you look at the pride of man and the downcast face of us. I need to watch for the former and remains in God. Like Abraham - "Here I am"
Isaiah 25
God Will Swallow Up Death Forever O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. (Isaiah 25:1 ESV)
Indeed there is no God has created the world, the beautiful place, and that awesome. He is exalted, the king is exalted on high.
Yes, I can understand that awesome power of God. What tall building that cannot be brought down, if God is to sent a quake (as I reflect from the movie Sans Andreas) - like you can send cloud to cover the heat (v5). But this should goes beyond the understanding, what is seen - the power reveal the existence of God, the power of God.
What is unseen, is that this God wants to dwell in our heart, a place that seems too small to accommodate Him. The Lord wants to wipe away the tears on our face (v8).
Which side of God do I want to see? Use me my Lord, for if you can destroy the great things on earth created by man, but created the great things on earth for man, I want to be the latter.
On the other hand, you look at the pride of man and the downcast face of us. I need to watch for the former and remains in God. Like Abraham - "Here I am"
17 June 2015; Gen 25
17 June 2015
Genesis 25
Abraham sacrificed Issac. The other son of Abraham had been chased away. But when god called, Abraham answer, "Here I am". He answered the called and obeyed and act accordingly, without any question like when he pleaded for Sodom. Some people in the city that he did not know or had any association. He did not even questioned why Issac is to be sacrifice!
He continued and bound Issac, and again the Lord called, and Abraham answered, "Here I am". I was thinking that Abraham was slowly and hesitated in lowering his knife onto Issac. god called, " Abraham, Abraham". He must be thinking, God is hurrying me, stop bothering me now.
He answered and God stop him.
It is putting away the past and move on into the future. Things do not stay stagnant. Issac was promised to Abraham after decades of wait and now the need to sacrifice him. God is showing that He transcends time. What started with empty can return to empty. But it is the obedience that God counted us as righteous. Even in waiting, are we or am I getting impatient and act foolishly before God? And when I am blessed, did I forget God that these blessings are from Him?
Forget about the past vision, it is the passion to sow in the seed of these young lives. Well, it starts here - wait and since there is no clear call to go anywhere, wait. The harvest field is wait. I am in my market place, working among the young peopl, and now even the chance of working day in and out with them. Influence them positively so that God is in the picture.
Genesis 25
Abraham sacrificed Issac. The other son of Abraham had been chased away. But when god called, Abraham answer, "Here I am". He answered the called and obeyed and act accordingly, without any question like when he pleaded for Sodom. Some people in the city that he did not know or had any association. He did not even questioned why Issac is to be sacrifice!
He continued and bound Issac, and again the Lord called, and Abraham answered, "Here I am". I was thinking that Abraham was slowly and hesitated in lowering his knife onto Issac. god called, " Abraham, Abraham". He must be thinking, God is hurrying me, stop bothering me now.
He answered and God stop him.
It is putting away the past and move on into the future. Things do not stay stagnant. Issac was promised to Abraham after decades of wait and now the need to sacrifice him. God is showing that He transcends time. What started with empty can return to empty. But it is the obedience that God counted us as righteous. Even in waiting, are we or am I getting impatient and act foolishly before God? And when I am blessed, did I forget God that these blessings are from Him?
Forget about the past vision, it is the passion to sow in the seed of these young lives. Well, it starts here - wait and since there is no clear call to go anywhere, wait. The harvest field is wait. I am in my market place, working among the young peopl, and now even the chance of working day in and out with them. Influence them positively so that God is in the picture.
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