Sunday, October 26, 2003
Something for Everyone to Enjoy! Yosh! :"P
Pastoral Candidates
The following is a confidential report on several candidates being
considered for a pastorate.
ADAM: Good man but problems with his wife.
NOAH: Former pastorate of 120 years with not even one convert. Prone to unrealistic building projects.
JOSEPH: A big thinker, but a braggart, believes in dream-interpreting, and has a prison record.
MOSES: A modest and meek man, but poor communicator, even stuttering at times. Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly. Some say he left an earlier church over a murder charge.
DAVID: Peeked at a woman bathing. Committed adultery with her, then murdered her husband! Oh my goodness!
SOLOMON: Great preacher but how can our parsonage hold all those wives?
ELIJAH: Prone to depression. Collapses under pressure.
HOSEA: A tender and loving pastor but our people could never handle his wife's occupation.
JEREMIAH: Emotionally unstable, alarmist, negative, always lamenting things, reported to have taken a long trip to bury his underwear on the bank of a foreign river.
ISAIAH: A little mad. He claimed to have seen angels!
JONAH: Refused God's call into ministry until he was forced to obey by getting swallowed up by a great fish. He told us the fish later spit him out on the shore near here. We wonder...
JOHN: Says he is a Baptist, but definitely doesn't dress like one. Has slept in the outdoors for months on end, has a weird diet.
PETER: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper - even has been known to curse. Aggressive, a loose cannon.
PAUL: Powerful CEO type leader. However, short on tact and has been known to preach all night.
JAMES & JOHN: Package deal preacher & associate seemed good at first, but found out they have an ego problem regarding other fellow workers and seating positions. Threatened an entire town after an insult.
TIMOTHY: Too young!
METHUSELAH: Too old . . . WAY too old!
JUDAS ISCAROT: His references are solid. A steady plodder. Conservative. Good connections. Knows how to handle money. We're inviting him to preach this Sunday. Possibilities here.
The following is a confidential report on several candidates being
considered for a pastorate.
ADAM: Good man but problems with his wife.
NOAH: Former pastorate of 120 years with not even one convert. Prone to unrealistic building projects.
JOSEPH: A big thinker, but a braggart, believes in dream-interpreting, and has a prison record.
MOSES: A modest and meek man, but poor communicator, even stuttering at times. Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly. Some say he left an earlier church over a murder charge.
DAVID: Peeked at a woman bathing. Committed adultery with her, then murdered her husband! Oh my goodness!
SOLOMON: Great preacher but how can our parsonage hold all those wives?
ELIJAH: Prone to depression. Collapses under pressure.
HOSEA: A tender and loving pastor but our people could never handle his wife's occupation.
JEREMIAH: Emotionally unstable, alarmist, negative, always lamenting things, reported to have taken a long trip to bury his underwear on the bank of a foreign river.
ISAIAH: A little mad. He claimed to have seen angels!
JONAH: Refused God's call into ministry until he was forced to obey by getting swallowed up by a great fish. He told us the fish later spit him out on the shore near here. We wonder...
JOHN: Says he is a Baptist, but definitely doesn't dress like one. Has slept in the outdoors for months on end, has a weird diet.
PETER: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper - even has been known to curse. Aggressive, a loose cannon.
PAUL: Powerful CEO type leader. However, short on tact and has been known to preach all night.
JAMES & JOHN: Package deal preacher & associate seemed good at first, but found out they have an ego problem regarding other fellow workers and seating positions. Threatened an entire town after an insult.
TIMOTHY: Too young!
METHUSELAH: Too old . . . WAY too old!
JUDAS ISCAROT: His references are solid. A steady plodder. Conservative. Good connections. Knows how to handle money. We're inviting him to preach this Sunday. Possibilities here.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Site Updates!
Greetings to all, I am most happy to inform everyone that the GLCC Choir Songs links are up and operational. So sorry for the inconvenience caused to all. The latest set of Christimas songs has also been uploaded!
Also, would like to take the opportunity to inform everyone that I would be preparing for my coming examinations, as such I would be unable to update the blog as regularly as I would have like. The daily posting of the Bible reading would resume on the 15th of November. On the other hand, the midi files for the GLCC choir would still be updated regularly.
Do leave any note or anything on the Tag Board, I would still check it regularly as well! Yosh and good day to all! :"P
Also, would like to take the opportunity to inform everyone that I would be preparing for my coming examinations, as such I would be unable to update the blog as regularly as I would have like. The daily posting of the Bible reading would resume on the 15th of November. On the other hand, the midi files for the GLCC choir would still be updated regularly.
Do leave any note or anything on the Tag Board, I would still check it regularly as well! Yosh and good day to all! :"P
Saturday, October 18, 2003
What's a Church is for?
Harlow everyone, just came back from a celebration of a friend's birthday. It is sad that there are so many Christians that no longer goes to church. Such is the state of my friend. It is the desire of my heart to build a group of people who would stand in the gap and reach out to these people and bring them back to the fold. O Lord, I am weak and there are so much to do, yet only one me, pray that you would raise up more people with such a burden to serve in this area of ministry which in always in the background and never glorious or in the forefront.
F, I would hope that you would continue to hold the fort and be a source of encouragement to the rest around you. That this coming year would be a year for you to become a greater spiritual giant for God's sake, be strong in the Lord.
Unknown, I would need your help as well, do think about all I have said and make it a matter of prayer. I would pray for you as well as for your studies. FiOnZ, it has been my greatest pleasure knowing you. I dare say you are one good friend which I have managed to make this year that would probably stand the test of time. Do pray that you would be with us and will also pray for your studies. Gambatte both of you.
Cheer Bear, you have not been talking much here, but know that you are around as well. Will be praying for you, that you would have the courage to face and do what must be done and that God will show you the way.
Think in time to come I would probably do a site where I would dedicate a few sentences to those who have made a difference in my life and who have stood fast with me even in the darkest hours of my life, for now, the list of the top would be more sufficient, as you guys are those that I know, who comes to my blog regularly. There are many more, but having lack the time to come, still... I would do that page in time, after my examinations.
This particulay passage from the chapter I read today stuck me, "This day the Lord you God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 26:16. May we as God's people remember to do the commandments that God gave us in the Bible.
I would also like to take the opportunity to ask all who come to this blog, what's a church for? In fact why in the world do we go to church for? Do we go to church just to let others know that we are there? Do we go so that we can have fun as our friends are there? The answer is NO! Many of us have forgotten what a church is for!
The church is the place we go for worship, for reading the Word, for singing to God's glory, for serving others and for helping each other to grow. It's supposed to be a place of love, forgiveness and encouragement! Since, all of us are going to church tomorrow, let us remember what the church is for, and may we make the church really a place of love, forgiveness and encouragement! May we love one another as God have loved us, that by this all man shall know that we are His disciples! Do ponder about it. Yosh!
F, I would hope that you would continue to hold the fort and be a source of encouragement to the rest around you. That this coming year would be a year for you to become a greater spiritual giant for God's sake, be strong in the Lord.
Unknown, I would need your help as well, do think about all I have said and make it a matter of prayer. I would pray for you as well as for your studies. FiOnZ, it has been my greatest pleasure knowing you. I dare say you are one good friend which I have managed to make this year that would probably stand the test of time. Do pray that you would be with us and will also pray for your studies. Gambatte both of you.
Cheer Bear, you have not been talking much here, but know that you are around as well. Will be praying for you, that you would have the courage to face and do what must be done and that God will show you the way.
Think in time to come I would probably do a site where I would dedicate a few sentences to those who have made a difference in my life and who have stood fast with me even in the darkest hours of my life, for now, the list of the top would be more sufficient, as you guys are those that I know, who comes to my blog regularly. There are many more, but having lack the time to come, still... I would do that page in time, after my examinations.
This particulay passage from the chapter I read today stuck me, "This day the Lord you God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 26:16. May we as God's people remember to do the commandments that God gave us in the Bible.
I would also like to take the opportunity to ask all who come to this blog, what's a church for? In fact why in the world do we go to church for? Do we go to church just to let others know that we are there? Do we go so that we can have fun as our friends are there? The answer is NO! Many of us have forgotten what a church is for!
The church is the place we go for worship, for reading the Word, for singing to God's glory, for serving others and for helping each other to grow. It's supposed to be a place of love, forgiveness and encouragement! Since, all of us are going to church tomorrow, let us remember what the church is for, and may we make the church really a place of love, forgiveness and encouragement! May we love one another as God have loved us, that by this all man shall know that we are His disciples! Do ponder about it. Yosh!
Friday, October 17, 2003
More on Sundry Laws.
Read Chapter 25 of Deuteronomy, interesting... the Israelites have so clear instructions on how to live their daily life. It is wonderful how much God cared for them and look into the many details of their life.
Also read through the "Our Daily Bread" which has a rather interesting passage on waiting for the Lord, I have reduplicated it below,
Let patience have her perfect work;
Let God refine your gold;
For in His time He'll show you why,
And blessings great unfold. - Bosch
Let us continue to wait upon the Lord, while in the meantime do our best in the area of our responsibilities. Whatever happens, happened for a reason. Yosh!
Also read through the "Our Daily Bread" which has a rather interesting passage on waiting for the Lord, I have reduplicated it below,
Let patience have her perfect work;
Let God refine your gold;
For in His time He'll show you why,
And blessings great unfold. - Bosch
Let us continue to wait upon the Lord, while in the meantime do our best in the area of our responsibilities. Whatever happens, happened for a reason. Yosh!
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Taking Care of the Less Fortunate!
Finish reading the 24th Chapter of Deuteronomy, decided to do the readings for tomorrow today as tomorrow would be another hectic day as I would be in school until 1830 for lessons. Today was a productive day, thank God for it, managed to complete preparation for a subject, though it is just a rough preparation! :"P I need more of such days to do my work and prepare well for the coming examinations. People do pray for me, okay? Thanks!
Onward to the Bible reading today, would discuss a general outline of the Chapter instead of going to the specifics. It is worthy of notice that the Lord have made provisions for the weakest people in the society - namely, the alien, the orphan, and the widow. The Israelites are told not to oppressed the hired servant, who is poor and needy. May be remember those that are less fortunate than us, that we not just pray for them, but also to provide for their needs if it is within our means. It is always better to give than to receive. Do not just dismiss a person in need, but rather share with them whatever you have, even if it is your 5 loaves and 2 fishes...
Let us continue to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. They may not be in need financially, but sometimes a listening ear, time would be what they need most. May we continue to touch the lives of those around us. Let us reach out and get involved in the lives of those around us! Cheers!
Onward to the Bible reading today, would discuss a general outline of the Chapter instead of going to the specifics. It is worthy of notice that the Lord have made provisions for the weakest people in the society - namely, the alien, the orphan, and the widow. The Israelites are told not to oppressed the hired servant, who is poor and needy. May be remember those that are less fortunate than us, that we not just pray for them, but also to provide for their needs if it is within our means. It is always better to give than to receive. Do not just dismiss a person in need, but rather share with them whatever you have, even if it is your 5 loaves and 2 fishes...
Let us continue to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. They may not be in need financially, but sometimes a listening ear, time would be what they need most. May we continue to touch the lives of those around us. Let us reach out and get involved in the lives of those around us! Cheers!
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Keeping Your Word! :"P
Read a Chapter of Deuteronomy today as I would be pretty busy towards the later part of the day. I would be studying out and have to go to church later for choir practice. By the time I am home it would be pretty late, so decide to do my daily readings first!
The part that struck me most in this Chapter 23 of Deuteronomy is that "When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the Lord will surely require it of you. However, if you refrain from vowing, it would not be sin in you. You shall be careful to perform what goes out form your lips, just as you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God, what you have promised," Deuteronomy 23:21-23.
It is interesting how "cheap" a lot of promises have now become. Many times we promised people that we would do something, but we never get to it. When it comes to God, it become worse. Let this not be so with us. God is not blind that He cannot see what is happening! May our word be our bond! A promise is a promise!
People, will also like to drop a note to continue to pray for those around us, those that are at the fringes. Pray that they would come back to the church. Also praying for those that are having exams now, such as debs, fiOnZ, Piyo Piyo, unknown and me as well! :"P F and A, will be praying for you guys as well! Cheer Bear, will be praying for you too! Yosh!
The part that struck me most in this Chapter 23 of Deuteronomy is that "When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the Lord will surely require it of you. However, if you refrain from vowing, it would not be sin in you. You shall be careful to perform what goes out form your lips, just as you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God, what you have promised," Deuteronomy 23:21-23.
It is interesting how "cheap" a lot of promises have now become. Many times we promised people that we would do something, but we never get to it. When it comes to God, it become worse. Let this not be so with us. God is not blind that He cannot see what is happening! May our word be our bond! A promise is a promise!
People, will also like to drop a note to continue to pray for those around us, those that are at the fringes. Pray that they would come back to the church. Also praying for those that are having exams now, such as debs, fiOnZ, Piyo Piyo, unknown and me as well! :"P F and A, will be praying for you guys as well! Cheer Bear, will be praying for you too! Yosh!
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Morality and Time.
Today passage touched on the Sundry Laws and the Laws on morality. It is interesting that the Lord had taught us through the Bible to be an upright and moral person. However, if we do it by ourselves, we can never accomplished it.
Do remember that it is not I, but Christ. So I encourage all of us not to be discouraged and when temptation arise we would pray for God's strength to overcome the temptation with words from the Bible and not succumb to the temptation. Let us also remember that if there is anything we desire, even if it is rightfully ours, we should abide in God's time. Never take a bad path towards a good goal.
I pray that all of us would remain steadfast to the word of God and continue to depend upon Him for enablement to carry out our tasks and responsibilities. Yosh! :"P
Do remember that it is not I, but Christ. So I encourage all of us not to be discouraged and when temptation arise we would pray for God's strength to overcome the temptation with words from the Bible and not succumb to the temptation. Let us also remember that if there is anything we desire, even if it is rightfully ours, we should abide in God's time. Never take a bad path towards a good goal.
I pray that all of us would remain steadfast to the word of God and continue to depend upon Him for enablement to carry out our tasks and responsibilities. Yosh! :"P
Monday, October 13, 2003
Stubborn and Rebellious Son.
Harlow, decided to start reading 1 Chapter everyday instead of the usual 5 Chapters during this period. Time is getting scarce nowadays and I would still want to keep on reading, so prayed and found this to be the best solution! People, do pray for me. If you all have anything that would like me to pray for you, do SMS me and I certainty will.
For those undergoing trial and tribulation, be it from work or from school, take heart! I know what you all are going through as I have went through them and are going through my own trials and tribulations as well! Just remember what the Lord said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden. and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my load is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
So I read the 21st Chapter of Deuteronomy today, and the passage that struck me most was as follows, "If any man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey his father or his mother, and when they chastise him, he will not even listen to them, then his father and mother shall seize him, and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gateway of his home town. And they shall say to the elders of his city, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey us, he is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death; so you shall remove the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear of it and fear." Deuteronomy 21:18-21.
I thank God for being such a loving and patient God with me, even with the many mistakes that I have commited in life, he still forgives me. May we not take God's love for granted and continue to demostrate God's love to our fellow brothers and sisters in Chirst and to all people, more so to our families. Thus may we follow the new commandment that God gave us, that we love one another as God has loved us and by all these the people around us will know that we are His disciples! Yosh!
For those undergoing trial and tribulation, be it from work or from school, take heart! I know what you all are going through as I have went through them and are going through my own trials and tribulations as well! Just remember what the Lord said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden. and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my load is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
So I read the 21st Chapter of Deuteronomy today, and the passage that struck me most was as follows, "If any man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey his father or his mother, and when they chastise him, he will not even listen to them, then his father and mother shall seize him, and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gateway of his home town. And they shall say to the elders of his city, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey us, he is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death; so you shall remove the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear of it and fear." Deuteronomy 21:18-21.
I thank God for being such a loving and patient God with me, even with the many mistakes that I have commited in life, he still forgives me. May we not take God's love for granted and continue to demostrate God's love to our fellow brothers and sisters in Chirst and to all people, more so to our families. Thus may we follow the new commandment that God gave us, that we love one another as God has loved us and by all these the people around us will know that we are His disciples! Yosh!
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Oops, Have Not Been Blogging for More Than a Week! :"P
Greetings everyone, started blogging again... Had a tough time this week, there was a lot of projects. Well, not much excuse but still... Hope everyone understand... Will try to keep it up with the pace. Would appreciate if you people can pray for me. Will be praying for you guys, debs, fiOnZ and unknown for the coming exams too!
F, keep up the good work! Today was good, you got to hold the fort my friend! Will be praying for A and you as well. Cheer Bear, thanks for the prayers! Appreciated that a lot! Well, guess those are the most regular visitors... If there is anyone else, do let me know! :"P
Well, the next 5 Chapters of Deuteronomy was pretty interesting. Would just like to highlight the following few points:
Firstly, "every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you." Deuteronomy 16:17. This always reminds me of the song, titled "To Whom Much Has Been Given" I have included the lyrics below.
We gather in God’s presence to worship Him this hour.
We honour and exalt Him, We kneel to Him in prayer.
Our words are but a silence unless we do as He desires.
For to whom much has been given much more shall be required.
Chorus:
To whom much has been given,
much more shall be required.
You have given gold and silver,
will you give to Him your life.
Will you labour with your Saviour?
Will you do as He desires?
For to whom much has been given,
much more shall be required.
To seek the lost and hungry and feed them with His word.
To reach our to our enemies, and embrace them with His love.
Empowered and commissioned , so we must do as He desires.
For to whom much has been given, much more shall be required
Let us all give of our best to the Lord in whatever the way the Lord touches us. May we be faithful with the blessings that the Lord has given us and continue to serve Him.
Lastly, would also like to share this other passage from the same chapter, "you shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous." Deuteronomy 16:19.
No matter what we do, may we always be impartial and look towards Him to guide our hands. May we never take bribes that would stain our reputation forever. That is all for today! Cheers and do have a blessed week ahead! :"P
F, keep up the good work! Today was good, you got to hold the fort my friend! Will be praying for A and you as well. Cheer Bear, thanks for the prayers! Appreciated that a lot! Well, guess those are the most regular visitors... If there is anyone else, do let me know! :"P
Well, the next 5 Chapters of Deuteronomy was pretty interesting. Would just like to highlight the following few points:
Firstly, "every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you." Deuteronomy 16:17. This always reminds me of the song, titled "To Whom Much Has Been Given" I have included the lyrics below.
We gather in God’s presence to worship Him this hour.
We honour and exalt Him, We kneel to Him in prayer.
Our words are but a silence unless we do as He desires.
For to whom much has been given much more shall be required.
Chorus:
To whom much has been given,
much more shall be required.
You have given gold and silver,
will you give to Him your life.
Will you labour with your Saviour?
Will you do as He desires?
For to whom much has been given,
much more shall be required.
To seek the lost and hungry and feed them with His word.
To reach our to our enemies, and embrace them with His love.
Empowered and commissioned , so we must do as He desires.
For to whom much has been given, much more shall be required
Let us all give of our best to the Lord in whatever the way the Lord touches us. May we be faithful with the blessings that the Lord has given us and continue to serve Him.
Lastly, would also like to share this other passage from the same chapter, "you shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous." Deuteronomy 16:19.
No matter what we do, may we always be impartial and look towards Him to guide our hands. May we never take bribes that would stain our reputation forever. That is all for today! Cheers and do have a blessed week ahead! :"P
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Love the Lord your God.
Read another 5 Chapters of Deuteronomy. The theme of today's passage is to love the Lord your God. "You shall therefore love the Lord your God, and always keep His charge. His statutes. His ordinances and His commandments." Deuteronomy 11:1.
This reminds me of a song, titled "Love the Lord"
Love the Lord your God,
With all your heart and all your soul and all your mind,
And love for all mankind,
As you would love yourself and
Love the Lord your God,
With all your heart,
And all your soul and mind,
And love for mankind.
We’ve got Christian lives to lead.
We’ve got Jesus love to give.
We’ve got nothing to hide.
Because in Him we abide in love.
Let us serve the Lord and love him, as this is the greatest commandment given to us. Cheers!
This reminds me of a song, titled "Love the Lord"
Love the Lord your God,
With all your heart and all your soul and all your mind,
And love for all mankind,
As you would love yourself and
Love the Lord your God,
With all your heart,
And all your soul and mind,
And love for mankind.
We’ve got Christian lives to lead.
We’ve got Jesus love to give.
We’ve got nothing to hide.
Because in Him we abide in love.
Let us serve the Lord and love him, as this is the greatest commandment given to us. Cheers!
Humble Yourself.
As I read through the 5 Chapters of Deuteronomy, only one thing keeps ringing in my mind - HUMILITY. I have never been so impressed before, yet throughout this 5 chapters, it is crystal clear. Lesson to be learnt and lesson learnt today - BE HUMBLE. Let me share this lesson with you that all of us may learn this truth today, that we may make our lives right before our God.
"And the Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you." Deuteronomy 7:22. Ever wondered why in our own lives, we do not obtained victory over every single issue straightaway? What is the reason? Well, I dare venture that the reason is that we do not become puffed up! Believing that I CAN DO IT, all I HAVE TO DO is JUST TO IT! Sounds familar? Is this it? Let's look further...
"And He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord." Deuteronomy 8:3. Similarly we see the same verse, phrase slightly differently in the same chapter later. "In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that you might test you, to do good for you in the end. Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My poer and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." Deuteronomy 8:16-18.
Notice, that God wanted to humble Israel thus God did what God had to do. Ain't it just so similar with us? How many times have we been proud of our achievements and talents? That God have to subsequently intervene to remind us that we should glorify and exalt God, not ourselves? That we are weak and not strong?
"Do not say in your heart when the Lord your God has driven them out before you, 'Because of my righteousness the Lord has bought me in to possess this land,' but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you." Deuteronomy 9:4.
Here we see it again, oh sinful nature of man, before we point at the Israelites, let do something. Take a piece of A4 size paper, step onto it and judge the person in the A4 size paper. Is not the person standing in the A4 size paper the same? We look at others and we are so quick to "give comments", how about ourselves? Are we not the same? How many times have the Lord lead us through a trial or a tribulation that we start to marvel, just how good WE are, not how good GOD was to us?
"For grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. Which is why God know us, the sinful nature of man. Similarly with salvation, we come to realize that there is NOTHING we can do, but to depend on God and God alone, else man will boast!
"For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing." Deuteronomy 10:17-18. Again, how many times have we compromise and sin against God, thinking that God is this old man sitting in his throne far far away?
"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this ot that.' But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it. to him it is sin." James4:14-17.
Oh Christian, let us make our lives right before Him, put away the masks we wear to church. Let us be true Christians, ever dependent on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us. To remember that it is God and not us, that we are who we are. There is no such thing as a SELF MADE MAN... God made us. We did not make ourselves. Everything is in God's control not ours. Let's humble ourselves and give of our talents to Him what whatever we eat or do or drink, that we do all things to the glory of God. Amen.
"And the Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you." Deuteronomy 7:22. Ever wondered why in our own lives, we do not obtained victory over every single issue straightaway? What is the reason? Well, I dare venture that the reason is that we do not become puffed up! Believing that I CAN DO IT, all I HAVE TO DO is JUST TO IT! Sounds familar? Is this it? Let's look further...
"And He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord." Deuteronomy 8:3. Similarly we see the same verse, phrase slightly differently in the same chapter later. "In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that you might test you, to do good for you in the end. Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My poer and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." Deuteronomy 8:16-18.
Notice, that God wanted to humble Israel thus God did what God had to do. Ain't it just so similar with us? How many times have we been proud of our achievements and talents? That God have to subsequently intervene to remind us that we should glorify and exalt God, not ourselves? That we are weak and not strong?
"Do not say in your heart when the Lord your God has driven them out before you, 'Because of my righteousness the Lord has bought me in to possess this land,' but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you." Deuteronomy 9:4.
Here we see it again, oh sinful nature of man, before we point at the Israelites, let do something. Take a piece of A4 size paper, step onto it and judge the person in the A4 size paper. Is not the person standing in the A4 size paper the same? We look at others and we are so quick to "give comments", how about ourselves? Are we not the same? How many times have the Lord lead us through a trial or a tribulation that we start to marvel, just how good WE are, not how good GOD was to us?
"For grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. Which is why God know us, the sinful nature of man. Similarly with salvation, we come to realize that there is NOTHING we can do, but to depend on God and God alone, else man will boast!
"For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing." Deuteronomy 10:17-18. Again, how many times have we compromise and sin against God, thinking that God is this old man sitting in his throne far far away?
"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this ot that.' But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it. to him it is sin." James4:14-17.
Oh Christian, let us make our lives right before Him, put away the masks we wear to church. Let us be true Christians, ever dependent on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us. To remember that it is God and not us, that we are who we are. There is no such thing as a SELF MADE MAN... God made us. We did not make ourselves. Everything is in God's control not ours. Let's humble ourselves and give of our talents to Him what whatever we eat or do or drink, that we do all things to the glory of God. Amen.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
Back to the book of Deuteronomy.
Decided to head back to the book of Deuteronomy so that I leave no book behind me as I proceed on my study of the bible. So this year alone, this would be the second time I go through this book, though the previous time I did not managed to pen down my thoughts.
Deuteronomy is translated as "this is the repetition of the Law." The book of Deuteronomy contains the last words of Moses in the final week of his life. Since God would not allow him to cross the Jordan River with them, under the direct inspiration of God, Moses reemphasized God's Law in the view of the new conditions which they would soon face. Moses warned them against disobeying God and he encouraged them to follow the true path.
The first 5 Chapters of Deuteronomy traces the history of the Israelites thus far and also Moses took the opportunity to remind them again of the Ten Commandments of God.
There are 2 interesting point to note. The first being that, "you shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Deuteronomy 3:15. Remember that Deuteronomy is the last of the 5 books written by Moses. Hence the warning.
In fact, when the bible is completed with the last book by John in Revelation, a similar warning was given. "I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prohecy of this book; if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which is written in this book." Revelation 22:18-19.
The second point to note is found in the Ten Commandments. "Showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." Deuteronomy 5:10. The prevalent problem with most mainline churches is that we have lost the love for God's people. We become embroiled with doctrines, activities, that we forget to show love to one another. This is also a reason for the spur of growth in most charismatic churches. Let us watch ourselves and continue to show love to one another so that everyone would know that we are Christ's disciples - Christians.
Let this constantly be a reminder to us.
Deuteronomy is translated as "this is the repetition of the Law." The book of Deuteronomy contains the last words of Moses in the final week of his life. Since God would not allow him to cross the Jordan River with them, under the direct inspiration of God, Moses reemphasized God's Law in the view of the new conditions which they would soon face. Moses warned them against disobeying God and he encouraged them to follow the true path.
The first 5 Chapters of Deuteronomy traces the history of the Israelites thus far and also Moses took the opportunity to remind them again of the Ten Commandments of God.
There are 2 interesting point to note. The first being that, "you shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Deuteronomy 3:15. Remember that Deuteronomy is the last of the 5 books written by Moses. Hence the warning.
In fact, when the bible is completed with the last book by John in Revelation, a similar warning was given. "I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prohecy of this book; if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which is written in this book." Revelation 22:18-19.
The second point to note is found in the Ten Commandments. "Showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." Deuteronomy 5:10. The prevalent problem with most mainline churches is that we have lost the love for God's people. We become embroiled with doctrines, activities, that we forget to show love to one another. This is also a reason for the spur of growth in most charismatic churches. Let us watch ourselves and continue to show love to one another so that everyone would know that we are Christ's disciples - Christians.
Let this constantly be a reminder to us.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
The Death of Joshua.
In the final 4 Chapters of the book of Joshua, we saw Joshua final farewell address to the people of Israel, exhorting them to do right and to serve God. Subsequently, we see that the people of Israel affirming that they would serve the Lord.
I am touched in the verse that I read in Joshua 24:13, "and I give you a land on which you had not laboured, and cities which you had not built, and you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant." Amazing how God took care of Israel. The entire land of Canaan was given to them by God. It was not by their own strength that the land was taken, but due to God's intervention.
Let us remember even for ourselves that we serve God and God alone, for our God is a jealous God. Let's us serve Him will gladness and that in every day of our lives we would walk rightly. Let us continue to remember God's word. "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11.
The sad thing towards the end of the book of Joshua. "And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who survived Joshua, and had known all the deeds of the Lord which He had done for Israel." Joshua 24:31. Moses had trained Joshua to be his successor, but Joshua and the elders were too busy conquering the Canaanites to trained their own successors, to throughly ground new leaders in the faith of Israel. As a result, the next generation succumbed to Canannite idolatory. God's people are always juat one generation away from apostasy. Therefore, we must train our young people to walk in the fear of the Lord today before they become leaders of tomorrow.
Here is the map of modern day Israel with the division of the land between the tribes. Hope this would give everyone a better idea. Cheers!
Current Progress of the Bible...
Old Testament
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Joshua
Ruth
Song of Solomon
New Testament
Philippians
I am touched in the verse that I read in Joshua 24:13, "and I give you a land on which you had not laboured, and cities which you had not built, and you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant." Amazing how God took care of Israel. The entire land of Canaan was given to them by God. It was not by their own strength that the land was taken, but due to God's intervention.
Let us remember even for ourselves that we serve God and God alone, for our God is a jealous God. Let's us serve Him will gladness and that in every day of our lives we would walk rightly. Let us continue to remember God's word. "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11.
The sad thing towards the end of the book of Joshua. "And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who survived Joshua, and had known all the deeds of the Lord which He had done for Israel." Joshua 24:31. Moses had trained Joshua to be his successor, but Joshua and the elders were too busy conquering the Canaanites to trained their own successors, to throughly ground new leaders in the faith of Israel. As a result, the next generation succumbed to Canannite idolatory. God's people are always juat one generation away from apostasy. Therefore, we must train our young people to walk in the fear of the Lord today before they become leaders of tomorrow.
Here is the map of modern day Israel with the division of the land between the tribes. Hope this would give everyone a better idea. Cheers!
|
|
Current Progress of the Bible...
Old Testament
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Joshua
Ruth
Song of Solomon
New Testament
Philippians
