Pity Junk Age's Corner!

The next 5 Chapters talks about the end of the division of the land between the tribes and the setting aside of 6 cities for those that have committed manslaughter.

Not feeling too good... Will just leave you people with another of Dong Haeng's works, titled, "The Age". Enjoy...

Here we see the Northern Palestine taken by the Israelites. A total of 31 Kings were defeated by the Israelites throught the entire campaign. Subsequently, the land is divided among the different tribes. This were all done according to the commandmenr of the Lord and indeed all that is said that would come, came to pass. The Israelites came to possess the land that was promised to them.

We should learn to trust God and take Him at His word. No matter if you are in any trials or tribulation in our lives, we should depend upon Him for He will see us through. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. Moreover "If God is for us, who is against us?" Romans 8:31. God can be trusted to guide us through life!

Let the following verses be an encouragement to you. "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fears Him, and rescues them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:7-8.

Another of Dong Haeng's works, titled "Christmas". Let's ask ourselves, what do Jesus wants us to do... What gift do he want to receive...

Moving onwards in the book of Joshua, following the conquest of Jericho until the total conquest of Southern Palestine. However, the thing that struck me most it that of the sin of Achan and the Guile of Gibeonites.

Firstly, let discuss the sin of Achan, here we see Achan takingamong the spoil a beautiful mantle from Sinar, 200 shekels of silver and a bar of gold, 50 shekels in weight. All these things belonged to God, and God has specifically said that "all the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron are holy to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury of the Lord." Joshua 6:19.

As a result of his actions, Israel was defeated in Ai, with the first casualities of was, a total of 36 men were struck down. Here we see the sin of one affecting that of many others. Then Achan was punished, with him, "the silver, the mantle, the bar of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkey, his sheep, his tent and all that belonged to him" Joshua 7:24. Achan and his family were stoned then burned.

Let's remember that God is all-knowing. He knows our every word and action. Let's not think we can get away with our sins, remember was we read in Numbers, "but if you do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23.

Seondly, the Guile of Gibeonites, we see even Joshua making a mistake, making peace with the Gibeonites. The reason was stated in Joshua 9:14, "so the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord." Let us always remember to ask God to dictate and guide us every day of our life that we may not sin against God almighty.

Going to add more of Dong Haeng's works. This one is titled "Healing". No matter what we went through, Jesus knows it all. Remember that "your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him." Matthew 6:8. Cheers to all with are going through the trials and tribulation of life.

Decided to give Deuteronomy a miss for the moment as I recently read it before I embark on this trip to finish reading the Bible once through. So I went one to the book of Joshua.

A brief summary of the book of Joshua. The book describes the conquest of the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses. Joshua had been an excellent understudy of Moses throughout the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. He was with Moses at Mount Sinai when Moses received the Ten Commandments. Exodus 24:13. Joshua was one of the 12 spies. Numbers 13:8,16. Of the older generation, only he and Caleb were permitted to cross the Jordan River. Joshua was a great man of faith, courage and leadership ability who believed that God could do what He promised. The Greek form of his name is "Jesus".

I was greatly encouraged by the following verses, "No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I wil be with you; I will not fail you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have sucess wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way properous, and then you will have success." Joshua 1:5-8.

I can identify with Joshua in many aspects. I have recently accepted to be the deputy to my uncle in the choir. This has really been something that I have no prior experience in doing. I have lead in various church ministries but never in the choir. Moreover, my uncle has always been respected greatly in church. Maybe he is not as great as Moses, I can hardly say I am like Joshua, still there are parallels. I guess that is why I am reading this book, though it is not in the plan at all.

The only this I can do is to trust God for His provision and guidance. That everything will be done in God's time and not my own. I wonder many times about the current situation, life has been a struggle for me in all areas. However, even during these times with the exams as well as the trials and tribulation of life, I dare say I am still very much alive.

Oh Lord, do give me strength to go through the trials and tribulation in front of me. That I be a good example to those around. Lord, I pray that you would just be so close to my friends, that I would reach out to the lost and dying world around me, whether they are those that didn't believe in you or those that have backslided and not come to church. Only you can help us and see us through this difficult times in our lives. I surrender my all to you. Let it be no more I but Chirst. Help me that I carry out my dutied and responsiblilties be it anywhere and anyday. Amen.

Here is another of Dong Haeng's works, titled "Priority". Let us watch where our priority in life is...

Well, finally the journey with the Israelites through the book of Numbers is done. At the end of the book, Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh have obtained the land allocate to them on the right hand side of Jordan and the Israelites are poised to enter the promised land.

Their battle with Midian resulted in total victory, the death of their enemies with no casulities. Amazing! This is what happens when the Lord is with them. TOTAL victory is achieved with no losses at all.

It is really amazing that how quick people are to judge others than themselves. How many times have we read Numbers and saw how the Israelites disobey God. Then our first reaction? We condemn them, saying "Have they not seen the how God have led them? Why did they still sin?" Maybe the next time before we do that, let us evaluate ourselves first. How many times have God been faithful to us and yet we did not obey God to the letter?

This is especially so with Christians, who though saved still lived like the rest world. Let us get our lives right with God first before we condemn and judge others. Who are we to judge? Are we like the scribes and Pharisees in Jesus's time who brought an adulterous woman to Jesus and demand that she be stoned? Remember the words of Jesus, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7. The result? "And when they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst." John 8:9. Cheers!

Current Progress of the Bible...

Old Testament

Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Ruth
Song of Solomon

New Testament

Philippians

Here is another of Dong Haeng's works, titled "Faith".

Well, have not been able to post in these recent days as well blogged down with work, though still continued with the readings... Well, did not have the time to pen them down!

Continued with the journey into the book of Numbers! One thing that stuck me was this verse, "But if you do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23. Interesting to note how many Christians actually lived a different live than that they live on Sunday - remember the term Sunday Christian?

We need to constantly remember that Lord is everywhere and He knows surely what we are doing everyday, every moment. Don't kid ourselves that no one knows... God Knows, my friend. So let us remember this and confess our sins and not let the sins that we have committed to linger within us. "If we confess out sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

Read another 5 Chapters of Numbers and was inspired to read the book of Ruth as well as it was part of the readings in the small booklet, "Our Daily Bread". The short passage below the reading was kind of neat, so I have included here below.

Searching to know life's real meaning?
You'll find it in only one way:
Serving the Lord with commitment
And living for others each day - Branon

As I read through Ruth, I was very touched and many memories flooded my mind which I would share some here with you all. Would first introduce the book of Ruth. The book of Ruth is a love story which took place in the turbulent period of Judges. Ruth. the main character, was a heathen girl from Moab who married one of the sons of Elimelech and Naomi. However, Elimelech and both his sons died in Moab. Ruth decided to return to Bethlehem with Naomi, and eventually came to believe that Jehovah was the only true God. Boaz was a close relative to Elimelech, and also the son of Rahab, a former prostitute in pagan Jericho. Boaz then married Ruth and the marriage produced a son Obed who fathered Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. Therefore, the great-grandparents of the royal Messianic line had roots outside Israel. How fitting it is that Jesus, the Son of David, descended from such a family!

The versed that struck me most was this, "For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me." Ruth 1:16-17. This was the same verse which my Fourth Aunt declared to my Fourth Uncle. How I hoped that one fine day, I too would find someone I love dearly and who would say this same line to me. To all the singles out there, do not be hasty, for the Lord have prepared that special one for you, let us all wait upon the Lord. Cheers!

Current Progress of the Bible...

Old Testament

Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Ruth
Song of Solomon

New Testament

Philippians

This is yet another sobering passage where we read at the start of chapter 16, Korah's Rebellion and the subsequent murmurings and plague that set upon Israel that claimed 14,700 lives besides those that died on the account of Korah.

Towards the middle portion of chapter 20, we see even Moses, the great man of faith, sinning against God in the water of Meribah. God commanded Moses and Aaron to "take the rod and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water." Numbers 20:8. Instead "Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly before the rock and said to them, "Listen now, you rebels, shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?" then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod." Numbers 20:10. So Moses spoke to the congregation instead of the rock and struck the rock instead of speaking to it.

This only reminds us to be mindful of ourselves, that we watch ourselves contantly not to sin against God. "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from They commandments. Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:9-11.

Here is another of Dong Haeng's works, titled "Distance". Do hope you would enjoy it and remember that God is always close to us not far away.

Read through another 5 Chapters of Numbers, believe this contains one of the saddest passages, where Israel believe the bad report brought in by the 10 spies instead of Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh and rebelled against God. "The all the congregration lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in the wilderness! And why is the Lord bring us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt.""Numbers 14:1-3.

It is interesting how we are often like that, when the Lord have just brought us out of a major fix, then at the next instance where a small difficulty arise, we would grumble against God. Oh, how often we took our eyes away from God and focus on the problem in front of us, making a mountain out of a mole hill. What are we going to do as we faced difficult trials in our life? Do we have faith in God to see us through the trial and tribulations of our lives? Had he not said that "in the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

Remember always what Christ said, "all things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23. May we, whenever we feel let down and discouraged by the situations in life, by our friends, yea even family members, that if what we are doing is right, though even the world may not understand, that we would perserve and pray to God to that "I do believe, help my unbelief" Mark 9:24. For who is Christ? "Jesus Christ is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." Romans 8:34.

May we be like Paul and that that "for I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, not things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39.

Here is another work by Dong Haeng, titled "Love". I hope this would encourage you as much as it did to me.

I remember that many were encouraged by Dong Haeng's works... Will include more of his works here! Here is another one titled "Waiting", cheers!

Decided to continue on with the book of Numbers. Number, believe to be the fourth book of Moses, was so named because the sons of Israel were numbered in Chapter 1 and 26. The central theme of the book of Numbers is service. This book describes how they wandered in the wilderness for thirty-eight years, while the older generation died off and a new nation, trained to obey God, was ready to make an assault upon the land which "flowed with milk and honey."

God could get them out of Egypt, but it was difficult to get the Egypt out of them. Let us trust God now in every way and not doubt Him. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7

The first military census of the Israel army amounted to 603,550 men. The totals for the second census were 601,730, which reflects almost no change in thirty-seven years. The composition of the 2 groups was total different. Only 2 men, Joshua and Caleb, who had not rebelled at Kadeah-barnea, were counted in both censuses.

Furthermore, the duties to the Levites are outline here, where each of the 3 families, Kohath, Gershon and Merari, were given and executed under the direction of Aaron and his sons. They were excluded from the military census, they had they own census which numbered them 22,000. Subsequently, they would be 23,000 at the second census.

Read the last 2 chapters of the book of Leviticus. The thing that struck me most was the promises made to the Israelites should they obey God and the punishments that would be given should they chose to disobey God.

The most striking promise to me was this, "But you will chase your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword; five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall before you by the sword." Leviticus 26:7-8. Imagine that, what a fierce army they would have been that no nation would be able to stand against them.

However, Israel chose to disobey God and as we read through history, indeed all that was told in the Bible did happen. God forseen what is to come and even gave the reason for removing Israel from their land. "Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies' land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. All the days of desolation it will observe the rest which it did not observe on your sabbaths, while you were living on it." Leviticus 26:34-35.

All these brings me to rememberance that we should always obey and fear God. Let us consecrate our lives to God. Remember always that prosperity comes from God alone. "Unlesss the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labours; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep." Psalm 127:1-2.

Current Progress of the Bible...

Old Testament

Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Song of Solomon

New Testament

Philippians

May the Lord continue to watch over us and that we be faithfully reading the Bible and praying everyday.

Decided to take a quiz to see which book of the Bible I am... This is the results after 3 attempts. What do you people think? Do you think this is a good reflection of me?

1st attempt: (Just answered one answer for each question, taking the best answer of all).

You are Revelation.


Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

2nd attempt: (Change some answers as I was in between both in the first place).

You are Leviticus.


Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

3rd attempt: (Realised I can check more than one box).

You are Romans.


Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Hmmm... Interesting... Maybe I show read about Revelation and Romans after Leviticus... :"P

Ah, back to reading the book of Leviticus. It is interesting to note that God's instruction to the priests of Israel is so different from that of other religion that we know of today. Just to highlight 2 points.

Firstly, "They shall not make any baldness on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beard, nor make any cuts in their flesh." Leviticus 21:5. This is in contrast to other religion who often shave their head bald as they see their hair beling "worldly", so in order to renounce their past lives, they would shave their heads as one of the prerequisties.

Secondly, "And he shall take a wife in her virginity." Leviticus 21:13. The priests are to marry, they are not to remain single! Again, such a contrast to the other religion who see single as purity and set apart.

Read through the last part of the Song of Solomon. A statement that keeps repeating with slight changes. First is was "My beloved is mine and I am His." Song of Solomon 2:16, then it became "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3 and finally it is "I am my beloved's and his desire is for me." Song of Solomon 7:10. It is interesting to see how the love changes from that of possessive love to that of a submissive love.

As a prologue to the Song of Solomon, at first it may seem strange that such a book is in the Bible, but it certainly shows the spiritual nature, dignity, and sanctity of love within marriage. This is a fact which has not always been sufficiently emphasized. The Song of Solomon is instructive and moral in its purpose. It comes to us in this world of sin, where lust and passion are on every hand, where fierce temptations assail us and try to turn us aside from the God-given standards of holy matrimony. It reminds us in a beautiful way of how pure and noble true love really is. Through the Song of Solomon is expressed in bold language, it provides a wholesome balance between the extremes of sexual perversion and of ascetic denial.

"But the Spirit ecplicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Current Progress of the Bible...

Old Testament

Genesis
Exodus
Song of Solomon

New Testament

Philippians

May the Lord continue to watch over us and that we be faithfully reading the Bible and praying everyday.

Greetings to all, it is now possible to subscribe to this site. So now for those who subscribles, whenever there are new updates, they would be inform via email! Just those that this would make the site even more friendlier! Hope that the site would continue to be a blessing to all! Cheers!

Just finished reading the first 4 Chapters of the book of Song of Solomon. Decided to divide the book of the Song of Solomon into 2 parts since it consisted of 8 Chapters only.

Well, as I am reading through, it brings to mind the wonderful times of love and courtship. Well, guess it is everyone's desire to find that special friend who would spend their lives with each other, enjoying each other's company. Not all have found them yet, but God has already prepared that special person for us. In God's time all shall be revealed, let us wait upon the Lord and not be impatient and rush into relationship. Better it is to find that special one than to get into and out of relationships due to impatience.

For those that are already in a relationship watch out for the little foxes that would ruin the relationship. "Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, while our vineyards are in blossom." Song of Solomon 2:15.

May the Lord look upon everyone favourably and watch over each and everyone of us, whether we have or have not found that special one. For those who have, cherish the relationship and be ever watchful against those "foxes", while those that have not continue to depend on the Lord and wait upon Him.

As requested by a good friend on the background of the Song of Solomon, will probably look into the the Song of Solomon for the next 2 days instead of Leviticus.

This book had come to be known in English as "The Song of Solomon," but in the original Hebrew, and hence in Greek and Latin versions, the title is "The Song of Songs," in the superlative sense of the best of songs. The question of authorship is closely connected with that of the meaning of the book, but it has traditionally been attributed to Solomon, who figures prominently in the work.

The Song of Solomon is best described as love poetry. Because of its explicitly erotic character, ancient Jews and Christians alike rejected its literal interpretation and allegorized it. For the Jews it referred to God's dealings with his bride, Israel. The early Christians saw it as representing the relationship between Christ and His bride, the Church. Vestiges of this type of interpretation can be found in modern Christian hymns, such as "Jesus Rose of Sharon" and "I Have Found a Friend in Jesus" (Song of Solomon 2:1, 5:10).

The early Chrisitian inability to deal with this book at the literal level was influenced more by the Greek philosophy of the time than by the Bible itself. If, as seems justified by the text, we take the Song of Solomon as the words of a couple anticipating an imminent wedding, the book serves as a useful corrective to unbiblical marital asceticism. It shows that God intended married couples to enjoy a wide range of sexual pleasure when it expresses the love between them.

The Chapters from 16 to 20 of the book of Leviticus further expounded on how to life a life pleasing to our Lord. Many of our questions as to whether this is right or wrong are stated here. It also give information as to how to handle human relationships, such as "you shall not take vengence, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself; I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18.

We are also remided that "you shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practive divination or soothsaying." Recently there is a rise of number of people looking at the star signs and read about what the magazines instructs them for people born within the star sign and playing with the spirits using board games. All these are not and we as Christians SHOULD NOT indulged in these activities for fun or any reason for that matter as we are commanded not to do so in the Bible.

Let us continue to let a Chrisitian life that would be pleasing to our Lord and Saviour, that other may see our example. I end with a song, that may we be as what is written in the song, that when we are in Heaven there would be people who would sing such a song to us. May God keep us faithful each day.

I saw Jesus In You

When I enter Heaven’s glory
And I see my Saviour’s face
I will offer Him ten thousand years of praise.
Then I find that special one
In whose life I saw God’s Son
And thru’ tears of joy with trembling lips these words I’ll say:

I saw Jesus in you. I saw Jesus in you.
I could hear His voice in the words you said.
I saw Jesus in you (Jesus in you).
In your eyes I saw His care.
I could see His love was there.
You were faithful, and I saw Jesus in you.

When I stand before my Father
To receive my life’s reward
And my soul is bathed in God’s eternal day
When this race on earth is run
And God sees the works I’ve done
More than anything I long to hear my Father say:

I saw Jesus in you. I saw Jesus in you.
I could hear His voice in the words you said.
I saw Jesus in you (Jesus in you).
In your eyes I saw His care.
I could see His love was there.
You were faithful, and I saw Jesus in you.

Read throught another 5 Chapters of Leviticus from Leviticus 11 to 15. Interestingly, here the book of Leviticus talks about firstly food and subsequently how to keep oneself healthy.

With referance to food, it is important that we eat everything in balance and moderation. Especially for seafood and pork, just to name the few unclean food... Would try to see if I can get the message on food and then post it here.

With referance to healthiness, it pertains more to leprosy and cleansing unhealthiness. It is important to present ourselves clean before God, not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well!

Hmmmm... Managed to read this at past midnight this morning before going to bed. In this section of the Leviticus, we see the commandments of God being carried to the letter and the consecration of Aaron and his sons...

One thing that stuck me was in Leviticus 10:1-2 with referance to the sin of Nadab and Abihu. "Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them and fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord."

This is one of the several examples in the Bible where sin was punished quickly and directly by God. The stated reason here is the preservation of His holiness. Apparently such immediate correction was necessary here at the beginning of Israel's life under the covenant to impress upon the people how serious obedience was to God. A similar instance happened in the early church when Ananias and Sapphira died immediately after lying to God, and it had a beneficial sobering effect upon all who heard about it. Acts 5:1-11.

Back from my appointment, here is the last 2 points on the first 5 chapters of Leviticus.

1. Provision for priests and leaders.

The first noteworthy point was that provision was made for the priests and leaders who sinned. Leviticus 4:3-12 and Leviticus 4:22-26. How often do we look at man and become stumbled by them. The Lord know no one is perfect, even priests and leaders sin against God. Let us look to God and not to man, lest we be stumbled by them.

2. Provision for the poor.

The second noteworthy point was that provision was also made for the poor and needly, who may not have the means. "But if he cannot offer a lamb, then he shall bring to the Lord his guilt offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. But if his means are insufficient for two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then for his offering for that which he has sinned, he shall bring the tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall not put oil on it or place incense on it, for it is a sin offering." Leviticus 5:7,11.

The book of Leviticus has been the bane of many Christians, many have reach to this stage of the Bible and started to falter... Subsequently stop reading altogether... With God's grace, I hope I would be faithful and pursue on the goal, in fact, not I but Christ...

So a short introduction of the book of Leviticus, the book is name as such as it records the duties of the Levites. The main purpose of this book is to show that God is holy and that man is sinful. However, if man will recongize this fact and obey, he is permitted to appoach God. Each type of offering was commanded to teach God's way to this new nation.

Few interestings things to noted, while reading through the Law of Burnt Offerings, the Law of Grain Offerings, the Law of Peace Offerings, the Law of Sin Offerings and the Law of Guilt Offerings, one things is constantly the same, the sacrifice that is offered must be "without defect", as in it must be perfect. These offerings are a precursor to the the Lord sacrifice on the cross for our sake and ain't our Lord the same, the perfect Lamb of God, without defect, without sin, Hence, Jesus is the only one who could die for our sins and thus paying the penalty for sin and saving us from the eternal punishment from hell.

Will post the others things at a later time, as I need to go and meet an appointment. See you all around... WILL BE BACK! :"P

Finally finish reading the book of Exodus... I may go over to the New Testament portion of the Bible after this and give the Old Testament a break... Let see how the Lord leads, in any way, there is just 63 books to go! Thank God for His faithfulness...

So use to update the current progress of the Bible.

Old Testament

Genesis
Exodus

New Testament

Philippians

As for today, the thing that impressed upon me was the number of Israelites by the time of the construction of the Tabernacle, there are a total of 603,550 men... Hmmm... such exact figures were given... Imagine God having to feed this amount of people every day for years! This is only the figures of men only, excluding women and children.

Let us always remember that the Lord we believed in is the same God whom we have placed our trust in and no matter how big the problem we are facing, God will see us through. "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation bring about perseverance; and perverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5.

Included more stuff on the sidebar of the site as well as the continued flow of the postings...

Firstly, the mood indicator is up, also the site will show how many people are online concurrently. Well, hope this site will continue to be a blessing to all! Cheers!

Well, think I will restart blogging again. Pray that God would give me the time and strength. Well, read up to the 35th Chapter of Exodus already. For this time I would just like to highlight Chapter 32.

Here the people rebelled against the commandments of God and ask Aaron to make them a God, which Aaron did, craving out the golden calf. It is amazing how quickly the Israelites fell away from God. The was after what the Lord have done for them in Egypt, parting the sea to bring them to safety and destroying the Egyptian Army in the process, providing them with manna, quails and water, appearing the them and YET they fall away and sin against God...

Before we start pointing our fingers at the Israelites, is not our lives the same? How often have we ourselves fell away from God. Ain't we just like the Israelites. Even when we are doing something for God's kingdom, many time we did it in the wrong motive. May we watch overselves constantly. God "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5.

May we constantly surrender our lives to God. "I urge you therefore, brethen, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove that the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2

Hmmm... Due to the heavy workload, will be taking a short breather from blogging... Hope to have the time to blog soon... Cheers to all!

Decided to finish the readings before I start doing my work, committing the day to the Lord. Interestingly the start of today's 5 Chapters give principles for a man how to live a upright and moral life.

As I read on further I was touched particularly by a single verse. "I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate, and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land." Exodus 23:29-30. It is amazing how the Lord watches over the Israelites then and over us now, where like the Israelites, God oftentimes bless us bit by bit, little by little, as much as we can handle at present. We are always to depend on God constantly for guidance and strength.

Pray that we all get our lives right with him and life a disciplined, upright and moral life, fearing God and obeying his commandments. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10.

Just finished reading another 5 Chapters of Exodus today, plus 5 Chapters yesterday...

A quick summary of yesterday's 5 Chapters. The Lord struck the last plague on the whole of Egypt, killing all the firstborn in the land of Egpyt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well. The Passover Lamb was also slain in this occassion and the feast of unleavened bread implemented as rememberance of this day, where the Lord will pass over the door and will not let the destroyer to come in to their houses to smite them. After this final plague was struck, the Pharaoh relented and let God's people go.

Then the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart and he set his army of six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them to pursue Israel. Thereupon, the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. After the Israelites have crossed and the Pharaoh's army went in after them to pursue, the waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh's entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained.

Subsequently, as we proceed to the 5 Chapters of today, we saw the faithfulness of God, turning the bitter water of Marah sweet, providing manna in the morning for the Israelites and quails in the evening as well as bring forth the water from the rock at Horeb. This again reminds me of the Psalm 23:6, "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. "

God, through Jethro, Moses' father in law, show Moses a model to effectively do the task set before him, where Moses being the people representative before God, will bring the disputes to God and teach the Israelites the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. Furthermore, Moses should select out all the people, able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. This lighten the workload of Moses and also placed capable people in charge.

Finally, the ten commandments were told to the people. These are listed below.

1. You shall have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3.

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the inquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:4-6.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy, six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall do no work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:8-11.

5. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord gives you. Exodus 20:12.

6. You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13.

7. You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14.

8. You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15.

9. You shall not bear dalse witness against your neighbour. Exodus 20:16.

10. You shall not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbour. Exodus 20:17.

Well, managed to finish reading next 5 chapters of Exodus even in the midst of the ongoing university course with the work piling up more and more each day, but I know that the Lord is with me and He will see me through this trial... Which reminds me of Psalm 23...

1. The Lord is my shephard, I shall not want.

2. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

3. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

5. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Today's passage talks about the signs and wonders that God performed and also talks about the reasons as to why they are done. Firstly, below is a list of the signs and wonders done before the final palgue...

1. Aaron's rod become a serpent.

2. Water is turned to blood.

3. Frogs over the Land.

4. Swarms of insects.

5. Death of the Egyptian Cattle.

6. Boils on the Egyptians.

7. Destruction of property of Egyptians through hail.

8. Bring of the locusts via the east wind.

9. Darkness over the Land of Egypt.

It is worthy of note that the Pharaoh's magicians were able to replicate the first 3 of the signs and wonders...

1. "Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts. For each one threw down his staff and they turned into serpents. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs." Exodus 7:11-12.

2. "But the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had siad." Exodus 7:22.

3. "And the magicians did the same with their secret arts, making frogs come up on the land of Egypt." Exodus 8:7.

However, by the 3rd sign and wonder which the Lord performed through Aaron, it is interesting to note that the magicians could bring forth the frogs but only Moses could make the frogs depart... And by the 4th sign the magicians themselves admitted that these signs and wonders are from God.

4. "And the magicians tried with their secret arts to bring forth gnats, but they could not; so there were gnats on man and beast. Then the magicians said to Phraoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had said." Exodus 8:19.

Moreover, as more signs and wonders were performed by God, the magicians of Egypt take a smaller and smaller role, they were not mentioned in the 5th sign and wonder and by the 6th sign and wonder, they were no longer present.

6. "And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians as well as on all the Egyptians." Exodus 9:11.

Other than this it is also interesting to note before the signs and wonders were performed, God has already stated that He would harden Pharaoh's heart and he would not hear and explain the reason for doing so.

"But I will harden Pharaoh's heart that I amy multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. When Pharaoh will not listen to you, then I will lay My hand on Egypt, and bring out My hosts, My people, the sons of Israel, from the land of Egypt by great judgements. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst." Exodus 7:3-5.

"The the Lord said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your grandson, how I made a mockery of the Egyptians, and how I performed My signs among them; that you may know that I am the Lord." Exodus 10:1-2.

At both instances, the Lord sought to show them and remind them that He is God. Thus through these that Israel would remember how the Lord have led them, for great is God's faithfulness towards us. "His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23. Let us remember how the Lord has led us past all our previous trials and tribulations, that even in the midst of them now, we would look up towards Him! Finally, here is a song, titled "Great is Thy faithfulness" by Thomas Chrisholm (1866-1960), who although suffering sickness and setbacks thorughout his life wrote it.

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Finally finished the design of the site... Added the Flash titled Duty by Dong Haeng in the side bar... This would give some music as well as allow those who have not seen it yet to be encouraged by it as well...

Initially, there seems to be some problems with the positioning of the flash and the comments bar... That has also been resolved! Thank God for helping me through this as I know little of HTML code and also a special thanks for my good friend, Jeff, who help me out on many occasions to design the site as well! Thanks again! Appreciated it!

Greetings, decided to go back to the book of Exodus in the Old Testament after completing the book of Philippians. Firstly, a background on the book of Exodus. It describes the departure of Israel from their bondage in the land of Egypt. Because of a shift of political power, the descendents of Joseph and his brothers fell into slavery, but they became quite numerous. The main theme of Exodus is redemption. All people may have hope, no matter how desperate the situation. God will send a deliverer to display His awesome power, and deliverance will come through blood. God keeps His promises.

The first 5 Chapters of Exodus talks of the rise of Israel as the nation through first a population from the initial of 70 people. It talks then of the oppression suffered by the Herbrews and God rising Moses to become the leader who will liberate them from the bondage and oppression suffered by them.

Greetings to all, I have finished up the major works on this journal! The updates are as follows:

1. Comments. It now has a "Comments" link at the end of each post so that everyone can post their thoughts on each of the writings done.

2. Search Engine. A search engine is included to help everyone to be able to search any topics of interest.

3. Counter. A counter is added as well so as to keep track of the number of visitors.

4. About Me. Added a little information about myself.

5. Interface. Finished up on the color scheme of the blog site!

Do let me know if there is anything else that can be improved further! Thanks and do hope that more would post on the site! Cheers!

Well, started and finished reading the book of Philippians from the Bible. Amazing that this book contains only 4 Chapters. I did not know that until today...

To provide a little background, the city of Philippi was named after Philip of Macedon who seized the city in 358 B.C from the Tracians. Philip of Macedon was the father of Alexander the Great. Philippians was written when Paul was in a prison in Rome. Imagine that Paul was still writing to encourage fellow Christians while he himself is undergoing trials and tribulation.

Although, strictly speaking, there is no development of one theme, the main thought of Philippians is the all-sufficiency of Christ in any circumstances, good or bad. Christ is the very meaning of life and death. "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21.

The following verses touched me especially, as I was reading through Philippians.

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing" Philippians 2:14. Oh Lord, how many times have we, me especially went through the trials and tribulation of life complaining and grumbling away. And yet here, we are told to do ALL, all as in everything, without grumbling or disputing. May we watch out tongue. "This you know, my beloved brethen. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James 1:19.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving and let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your mind." Philippians 4:6-7. Again how often we, especially me, have be anxious when things did not go as planned, but let us turn to God and look towards Him and not to circumstances and not to men. That we continually pray to Him, seeking His will. This reminds me of a song, titled "Did you ever talked to God?"

Did You Ever Talked To God

Did you ever talked to God above?
Tell Him that you need a friend to love.
Pray in Jesus name believing that
God answers prayer.

Have you told Him all your cares and woes?
Every tiny little fear He knows.
You can know He’ll always hear and
He will answer prayer.

You can whisper in a crowd to Him.
You can cry when you’re alone to Him.
You don’t have to pray out loud to Him,
He knows your thoughts.

On a lofty mountain peak He’s there.
In a meadow, by a stream He’s there.
Anywhere on Earth you go,
He’s been there from the start.

Find the answer in His word, it’s true.
You’ll be strong because He walks with you.
By His faithfulness, He’ll change you too.
God answers prayer.

"Finally, brethen, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on this things" Philippians 4:8. Funny this is this verse have been in my mind since morning, in fact this was one of those verses that was continually taught to me while in Children Camp when I was younger. Let us think and ponder on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and of good repute! That we sway neither to the left or right but push onward to Christ, seeking Him and Him alone.

For those that have yet to put your trust in Him, think upon these words that Jesus said. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." John 14:6. Realise now that you are a sinner and the only way is to accept the gift of Christ that He has so freely give. Christ die for our sins on the cross, the only thing is woud you now accept Him as your personal saviour? I prat that everyone who visit this site would. Cheers!

Well, I have started and finish reading the book of Philippians. The goal is to finish reading the Bible through by reading 5 Chapters or a book a day. Thus far this is the progress...

Old Testament

Genesis

New Testament

Philippians

May the Lord continually watch over me and grant me the time and discipline to do this! "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26.

Greetings to all, I have updated the site yet again, changing the interface and included the tag board where everyone can post their comments and it will also serve as a means to keep in touch!

Do make full use of the tag board and I do hope that the writings will continually be a souce of encouragement to all of you. Do continually spread the word of God. Let us never forget the Great Commission set upon us Christians. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name og the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

May we all continue to witness to the lost and disciple the faithful. Cheers!