"Acts 4:23-5:11
Filled with the Holy Spirit vs filled by Satan
Again, we see a stark contrast. Here, it is between the disciples who are ‘all filled with the Holy Spirit’ (4:31) and Ananias and Sapphira. Peter says to Ananias, ‘How is it that Satan has so filled your heart’ (5:3).
First, we see the results of being filled with the Holy Spirit:
Boldness
Peter and John are not put off by the threats made to them (4:17,21). Rather, ‘they raised their voices together in prayer to God’ (v.24). They prayed, ‘Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness’ (v.29). ‘After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly’ (v.31).
Unity
‘All the believers were one in heart and mind’ (v.32a). They were all filled with the same Holy Spirit. A mark of a Spirit-filled community is unity.
Generosity
They had a liberating attitude to their possessions: ‘They shared everything they had … There were no needy persons among them’ (vv.32,34). Those who could afford it helped support those who were in need (vv.34–35).
Power
They had prayed, ‘Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus’ (v.30). Their prayer was answered: ‘With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus’ (v.33a).
Grace
‘… much grace was upon them all’ (v.33b). Experience of God’s grace should lead to a community of grace and graciousness.
By stark contrast, in the second half of today’s passage we see the results of being filled by Satan. Peter uses very strong language when he says, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart’ (5:3).
There was no necessity for Ananias and Sapphira to give away their property or money. ‘Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?’ (v.4). They were not criticised for a lack of generosity.
Rather, the evidence that Satan had filled their hearts is not only that they lied (which could be a spontaneous act), but also that they conspired together to lie. Peter says to Ananias, ‘You have lied to the Holy Spirit’ (v.3) and he says to Sapphira, ‘How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?’ (v.9). This conspiracy was premeditated and prepared.
God gave Peter a ‘word of knowledge’ (vv.3–4). This exposed their sin. The fear of God came upon the people (vv.5,11). This type of fear was not fear of human beings or a slavish fear, but rather a holy fear. They ‘had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with’ (v.11, MSG).
This is not an easy story to read, and many of us struggle with the severity of God’s judgment in the passage. Ultimately, only God knows the secrets of our hearts, and we need to trust that his judgments are fair and just. It reminds us though of the seriousness of sin, and the awesomeness of God’s presence in our midst. The sense of God’s presence was so great that people feared that their sin might be exposed. But this presence of God and the Holy Spirit also brought about extraordinary conversions, healings, signs and wonders.
Lord, fill us with your Holy Spirit. May we be a church known for its bold proclamation, unity, generosity, power and grace."
1. Thank You for exposing my sins and that it leads me to repent. Thank You, Lord, for Your guidance in everything. May I always have my ears open to You.
2. Thank You for blessing me with a chance to meet new people and learn more about myself.
3. I am always grateful of the life You give me here. May I always appreciate the little things that come my way.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Finishing Well
"Back in the 1960s the band The Monkees sang about how no one seemed to believe in absolute morals anymore. In Shades of Grey they sang:
Many today no longer believe there is such a thing as absolute right or absolute wrong. Stark contrasts and black-and-white distinctions are not always easy to swallow in a society in which relativism is the order of the day. Everything is relative – a matter of degrees.
As followers of Jesus we cannot give in to these relativistic ideas. We must be open to the prophetic voice of Scripture, which often traces stark contrasts, urgent ethical choices and diverging paths in the midst of complex problems and situations.
In our Old Testament passage for today we read of extreme evil: sexual abuse, murder and conspiracy. On the other hand, in our New Testament reading, we read of extreme good – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit enabling people to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders. The reality of right and wrong are very clear in today’s passages, and there are stark contrasts between the two.
Psalm 71:9-18
Finishing well vs perishing in shame
The psalmist is determined to finish well. He writes, ‘Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone … Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come’ (vv.9,18).
This is in stark contrast to the fate of his enemies who he hopes will ‘perish in shame’ (v.13). From the New Testament perspective, this is probably not the right way to pray for one’s enemies! However, it is certainly true that some people seem to ‘perish in shame’. It is a tragic way for anyone’s life to end.
The psalmist contrasts himself with those who perish in shame. He writes ‘but as for me …’ (v.14). He wants to continue to be close to the Lord to the end of his life. In fact, he wants the end of his life to be even more fruitful than the beginning. He says, ‘I will praise you more and more’ (v.14). Every generation has the responsibility of passing the baton ‘to the next generation’ (v.18). Succession planning is a key part of finishing well.
Lord, help me to finish well and to declare your power to the next generation. Help me to praise you more and more. May my mouth tell of your righteousness and proclaim your mighty acts."
1. Thank You Lord that You provide only the truth. Help me to finish well.
2. Crabs! Ohh lala, thank You for a tasty and meaty plate.
3. Thank You for a batch of people whom You have put in my life, no matter how short their stay here is.
When the world and I were young,
Just yesterday.
Life was such a simple game …
It was easy then to tell right from wrong …
Today there is no black or white,
Only shades of grey.
Many today no longer believe there is such a thing as absolute right or absolute wrong. Stark contrasts and black-and-white distinctions are not always easy to swallow in a society in which relativism is the order of the day. Everything is relative – a matter of degrees.
As followers of Jesus we cannot give in to these relativistic ideas. We must be open to the prophetic voice of Scripture, which often traces stark contrasts, urgent ethical choices and diverging paths in the midst of complex problems and situations.
In our Old Testament passage for today we read of extreme evil: sexual abuse, murder and conspiracy. On the other hand, in our New Testament reading, we read of extreme good – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit enabling people to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders. The reality of right and wrong are very clear in today’s passages, and there are stark contrasts between the two.
Psalm 71:9-18
Finishing well vs perishing in shame
The psalmist is determined to finish well. He writes, ‘Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone … Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come’ (vv.9,18).
This is in stark contrast to the fate of his enemies who he hopes will ‘perish in shame’ (v.13). From the New Testament perspective, this is probably not the right way to pray for one’s enemies! However, it is certainly true that some people seem to ‘perish in shame’. It is a tragic way for anyone’s life to end.
The psalmist contrasts himself with those who perish in shame. He writes ‘but as for me …’ (v.14). He wants to continue to be close to the Lord to the end of his life. In fact, he wants the end of his life to be even more fruitful than the beginning. He says, ‘I will praise you more and more’ (v.14). Every generation has the responsibility of passing the baton ‘to the next generation’ (v.18). Succession planning is a key part of finishing well.
Lord, help me to finish well and to declare your power to the next generation. Help me to praise you more and more. May my mouth tell of your righteousness and proclaim your mighty acts."
1. Thank You Lord that You provide only the truth. Help me to finish well.
2. Crabs! Ohh lala, thank You for a tasty and meaty plate.
3. Thank You for a batch of people whom You have put in my life, no matter how short their stay here is.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
God Can Forgive
"Acts 4:1-22
Take care to please God
In contemporary culture the words ‘You are the man!’ (12:7) might be words of admiration! But these are some of the most haunting words in the whole Bible. David had been found out. He had been tempted and had fallen into sin. He did it in secret and thought he had got away with it. But God saw everything. In one of the supreme understatements of the Bible we are told, ‘the thing David had done displeased the Lord’ (11:27).
Where did it all go wrong?
The point is often made that David’s first mistake was to remain in Jerusalem (v.1). If he had been out there fighting the battle with his people, he would have been less prone to temptation than sitting at home with rather too little to do. John Wimber often used to say, ‘It’s hard to sit still and be good’. We are much less likely to fall into temptation when we are fully occupied and in the right place.
David gradually slipped. He saw a ‘stunningly beautiful woman’ bathing (v.2, MSG). There was no sin yet, only temptation. However, he must have given in to lustful adulterous thoughts because he made a plan, sent for her to sleep with him and sinned greatly.
Although by the standards of his day it was nothing compared to what other kings would have done, he then planned a cover-up that did not work. Eventually, it ended in the murder of Uriah. As often happens, sin led to more sin – and the cover-up was even worse than the original sin.
David must have felt absolutely crushed at Nathan’s words: ‘You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “I anointed you … I delivered you … I gave you … And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes?” ’ (12:7–9). Not only had David messed up badly, but he was also someone who should have known better.
Amazingly, God forgave David even this enormous sin (v.13). There is no sin or failing that is too great for God to forgive, and no situation into which God’s grace cannot reach. No matter what you have done, God can forgive you.
The key to receiving that forgiveness is admitting our guilt and repenting of what we have done. This is the great difference between David (who God forgave when he sinned) and Saul (who God did not). Whereas Saul tried to justify himself (see 1 Samuel 15), David simply admitted everything. He said, ‘I have sinned against the Lord’ (v.13). In effect he just said ‘I’m sorry!’
Forgiveness does not take away the consequences of our actions though. For David the consequences were huge. His baby son died as a result (vv.13–14), and God warned him that because of his violent actions ‘the sword shall never depart from your house’ (v.10). The consequences of David’s sin were long lasting.
Nevertheless, this was not the end for David. God did not abandon him. Although his son died, there is hope that one day they will be reunited: ‘I will go to him, but he will not return to me’ (v.23). Not only that but God gave to David another son, Solomon, and ‘The Lord loved him’ (v.24).
This account is a warning and an encouragement. We all mess up from time to time. God forgives. He restores. He blesses us again. But let it also be a warning to us to take responsibility for our lives, to put in boundaries, get help early and to watch and pray that we do not fall into temptation.
If we have fallen, we need like David to admit our sin, confess, repent, grieve if necessary and then get on with our lives looking forward to what God has in store for us.
Lord, guard my heart and the hearts of all your people, that we may be faithful to you."
1. Thank You for Your forgiveness no matter what I have done. May I have the heart to come and repent to You.
2. Thank You for a night of good walks, hearty dinner, and fun discussions.
3. Thank You for sustaining me on my 10th day of PrayFit!
Take care to please God
In contemporary culture the words ‘You are the man!’ (12:7) might be words of admiration! But these are some of the most haunting words in the whole Bible. David had been found out. He had been tempted and had fallen into sin. He did it in secret and thought he had got away with it. But God saw everything. In one of the supreme understatements of the Bible we are told, ‘the thing David had done displeased the Lord’ (11:27).
Where did it all go wrong?
The point is often made that David’s first mistake was to remain in Jerusalem (v.1). If he had been out there fighting the battle with his people, he would have been less prone to temptation than sitting at home with rather too little to do. John Wimber often used to say, ‘It’s hard to sit still and be good’. We are much less likely to fall into temptation when we are fully occupied and in the right place.
David gradually slipped. He saw a ‘stunningly beautiful woman’ bathing (v.2, MSG). There was no sin yet, only temptation. However, he must have given in to lustful adulterous thoughts because he made a plan, sent for her to sleep with him and sinned greatly.
Although by the standards of his day it was nothing compared to what other kings would have done, he then planned a cover-up that did not work. Eventually, it ended in the murder of Uriah. As often happens, sin led to more sin – and the cover-up was even worse than the original sin.
David must have felt absolutely crushed at Nathan’s words: ‘You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “I anointed you … I delivered you … I gave you … And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes?” ’ (12:7–9). Not only had David messed up badly, but he was also someone who should have known better.
Amazingly, God forgave David even this enormous sin (v.13). There is no sin or failing that is too great for God to forgive, and no situation into which God’s grace cannot reach. No matter what you have done, God can forgive you.
The key to receiving that forgiveness is admitting our guilt and repenting of what we have done. This is the great difference between David (who God forgave when he sinned) and Saul (who God did not). Whereas Saul tried to justify himself (see 1 Samuel 15), David simply admitted everything. He said, ‘I have sinned against the Lord’ (v.13). In effect he just said ‘I’m sorry!’
Forgiveness does not take away the consequences of our actions though. For David the consequences were huge. His baby son died as a result (vv.13–14), and God warned him that because of his violent actions ‘the sword shall never depart from your house’ (v.10). The consequences of David’s sin were long lasting.
Nevertheless, this was not the end for David. God did not abandon him. Although his son died, there is hope that one day they will be reunited: ‘I will go to him, but he will not return to me’ (v.23). Not only that but God gave to David another son, Solomon, and ‘The Lord loved him’ (v.24).
This account is a warning and an encouragement. We all mess up from time to time. God forgives. He restores. He blesses us again. But let it also be a warning to us to take responsibility for our lives, to put in boundaries, get help early and to watch and pray that we do not fall into temptation.
If we have fallen, we need like David to admit our sin, confess, repent, grieve if necessary and then get on with our lives looking forward to what God has in store for us.
Lord, guard my heart and the hearts of all your people, that we may be faithful to you."
1. Thank You for Your forgiveness no matter what I have done. May I have the heart to come and repent to You.
2. Thank You for a night of good walks, hearty dinner, and fun discussions.
3. Thank You for sustaining me on my 10th day of PrayFit!
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
No Formal Education
"Acts 4:1-22
Take courage from being with Jesus
Authentic Christianity is bound to lead to opposition and trials of one sort or another. Here, the disciples have literally been put in jail and on trial. Effectively, they were charged with the crime of being Christians (though they didn’t go by that name at the time). There has not been a single period in church history when Christians have not been tried for this offence somewhere in the world.
It was not disputed that the man had been healed. In the gospels it is Jesus who does the miracles; in Acts ordinary people do miracles in his name. When asked, ‘By what power or what name did you do this?’ (v.7), filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter replied, ‘It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead’ (v.10). Today, all of us can pray in this same powerful way.
Peter had the audacity to tell his judges that they were guilty of crucifying the saviour of the world. They had rejected and crucified Jesus. Peter had been frightened to admit to a servant girl that he even knew Jesus. Now, he is a changed person. He proclaims Jesus and the resurrection in public, in the court where Jesus was tried and 500 yards from where he was crucified.
The key was that Peter had encountered the risen Jesus and was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ (v.8). He now knew what Jesus had come to do and, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus was with him and helping him.
Peter says to his judges, ‘You crucified [Jesus] … whom God raised from the dead’ (v.10). And, ‘salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved’ (v.12).
It is not surprising that ‘They couldn’t take their eyes off them – Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus’ (v.13, MSG).
Peter and John may not have had much formal education, but they had been to ‘school with Jesus’. They were his disciples. They had been to the ‘College of God’s Word’. And now they were studying at the ‘University of the Holy Spirit’. Many of the people used greatly by God have had little formal education.
Peter and John were threatened and told not to speak about Jesus. But they replied, ‘We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’ (v.20).
As they faced their judges, they were hugely helped by the fact that everyone could see what an amazing miracle had taken place. The forty year old healed man was standing there as living testimony to the power of Jesus (vv.14–21).
Lord, fill me with your Spirit and give me the same courage that Peter and John had so that I can go on proclaiming Jesus, whatever the cost and whatever the opposition. May we see outstanding miracles like those that you performed through your first followers."
1. Thank You for using people having no formal education to preach the gospel. May You help and guide me in doing my part.
2. You always have a way of exposing what is in the heart of Your children. Thank You for helping me guard my heart and making the right choice in giving a reaction during unfortunate events.
3. Thank You for a cool weather even if it is resulting to floods. Thank You for making us safe.
Take courage from being with Jesus
Authentic Christianity is bound to lead to opposition and trials of one sort or another. Here, the disciples have literally been put in jail and on trial. Effectively, they were charged with the crime of being Christians (though they didn’t go by that name at the time). There has not been a single period in church history when Christians have not been tried for this offence somewhere in the world.
It was not disputed that the man had been healed. In the gospels it is Jesus who does the miracles; in Acts ordinary people do miracles in his name. When asked, ‘By what power or what name did you do this?’ (v.7), filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter replied, ‘It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead’ (v.10). Today, all of us can pray in this same powerful way.
Peter had the audacity to tell his judges that they were guilty of crucifying the saviour of the world. They had rejected and crucified Jesus. Peter had been frightened to admit to a servant girl that he even knew Jesus. Now, he is a changed person. He proclaims Jesus and the resurrection in public, in the court where Jesus was tried and 500 yards from where he was crucified.
The key was that Peter had encountered the risen Jesus and was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ (v.8). He now knew what Jesus had come to do and, through the Holy Spirit, Jesus was with him and helping him.
Peter says to his judges, ‘You crucified [Jesus] … whom God raised from the dead’ (v.10). And, ‘salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved’ (v.12).
It is not surprising that ‘They couldn’t take their eyes off them – Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus’ (v.13, MSG).
Peter and John may not have had much formal education, but they had been to ‘school with Jesus’. They were his disciples. They had been to the ‘College of God’s Word’. And now they were studying at the ‘University of the Holy Spirit’. Many of the people used greatly by God have had little formal education.
Peter and John were threatened and told not to speak about Jesus. But they replied, ‘We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’ (v.20).
As they faced their judges, they were hugely helped by the fact that everyone could see what an amazing miracle had taken place. The forty year old healed man was standing there as living testimony to the power of Jesus (vv.14–21).
Lord, fill me with your Spirit and give me the same courage that Peter and John had so that I can go on proclaiming Jesus, whatever the cost and whatever the opposition. May we see outstanding miracles like those that you performed through your first followers."
1. Thank You for using people having no formal education to preach the gospel. May You help and guide me in doing my part.
2. You always have a way of exposing what is in the heart of Your children. Thank You for helping me guard my heart and making the right choice in giving a reaction during unfortunate events.
3. Thank You for a cool weather even if it is resulting to floods. Thank You for making us safe.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Prayer, Trust, and Praise
"John Wimber, the US pastor and pioneer of the Vineyard movement, had a huge influence on the church around the world.
He died at the age of sixty-three. Life had often been extremely difficult for him. He had many health problems and was broken-hearted that his eldest son, Chris, was dying at the same time as him.
He had been subject to an outrageous amount of criticism. I remember him once saying to me, ‘Notoriety is fun for a short time, but after that it is just hassle’. But perhaps what broke his heart more than anything was the fact that three of the men who were closest to him, whom he loved and treated as his sons, all fell into temptation and moral failure.
God used John Wimber in extraordinary ways, but he and his team faced many trials and temptations.
Perhaps it is not surprising that the passages today return to the subject of trials and temptations. This is how life is, and the Bible is not at all naïve about it. Usually, as we emerge from one battle, there is another one around the corner. This is the challenge of life.
Psalm 71:1-8
Take confidence in the Lord
This psalm is full of indications of difficulty and opposition. Yet through it all, the writer says, ‘From my birth I have relied on you’ (v.6). In the psalm we see three key aspects of what that reliance on God involves:
Prayer
Here is a prayer that you can pray: ‘I run for dear life to God … get me out of this mess’ (vv.1–2, MSG).
Trust
Once you have cried out for help and cast your burdens on the Lord, the next step is to hope in him with confidence (v.5). ‘You keep me going when times are tough ... I’ve hung on you’ (vv.5–6, MSG).
Praise
You can praise God before, during and after battles you face. ‘I’ll never run out of praise’ (v.8, MSG).
Lord, I praise you for your love, goodness and splendour. Thank you for the way you have rescued me and delivered me. Thank you that I can rely on you as I look to the future and the battles ahead."
1. Even with battles, You are there. Thank You for You are always available and ready to listen. May I always find hope in You to keep me going when times are tough.
2. It is another Bui Vien time for us. Leider the Pinoy friends are going home this coming weekend and it is yet again a season of goodbyes. But thank You, Lord, for the friendships made.
3. Thank You now for stronger legs due to a lot of walking. Thank You for keeping me safe this rainy season.
He died at the age of sixty-three. Life had often been extremely difficult for him. He had many health problems and was broken-hearted that his eldest son, Chris, was dying at the same time as him.
He had been subject to an outrageous amount of criticism. I remember him once saying to me, ‘Notoriety is fun for a short time, but after that it is just hassle’. But perhaps what broke his heart more than anything was the fact that three of the men who were closest to him, whom he loved and treated as his sons, all fell into temptation and moral failure.
God used John Wimber in extraordinary ways, but he and his team faced many trials and temptations.
Perhaps it is not surprising that the passages today return to the subject of trials and temptations. This is how life is, and the Bible is not at all naïve about it. Usually, as we emerge from one battle, there is another one around the corner. This is the challenge of life.
Psalm 71:1-8
Take confidence in the Lord
This psalm is full of indications of difficulty and opposition. Yet through it all, the writer says, ‘From my birth I have relied on you’ (v.6). In the psalm we see three key aspects of what that reliance on God involves:
Prayer
Here is a prayer that you can pray: ‘I run for dear life to God … get me out of this mess’ (vv.1–2, MSG).
Trust
Once you have cried out for help and cast your burdens on the Lord, the next step is to hope in him with confidence (v.5). ‘You keep me going when times are tough ... I’ve hung on you’ (vv.5–6, MSG).
Praise
You can praise God before, during and after battles you face. ‘I’ll never run out of praise’ (v.8, MSG).
Lord, I praise you for your love, goodness and splendour. Thank you for the way you have rescued me and delivered me. Thank you that I can rely on you as I look to the future and the battles ahead."
1. Even with battles, You are there. Thank You for You are always available and ready to listen. May I always find hope in You to keep me going when times are tough.
2. It is another Bui Vien time for us. Leider the Pinoy friends are going home this coming weekend and it is yet again a season of goodbyes. But thank You, Lord, for the friendships made.
3. Thank You now for stronger legs due to a lot of walking. Thank You for keeping me safe this rainy season.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Passing Kindness On
"Steve Sjogren wrote a book called Conspiracy of Kindness. He started a church in Cincinnati, Ohio, that has grown rapidly to an average attendance of 7,500 in just fifteen years. Their motto is, ‘Small things done with great love are changing the world’. They carry out random acts of kindness like paying for a stranger’s coffee, or writing a ‘thank you’ note to a shop assistant. They have discovered the power and impact of ‘showing God’s love in practical ways’.
As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change, both in their lives and in the lives of people around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.
Psalm 70:1-5
Trust in the kindness of God
God is kind. He loves you. Whatever your needs are today, you can cry out to him and he will be your help and deliverer.
David prays, ‘God! Please hurry to my rescue! God, come quickly to my side!’ (v.1, MSG). He goes on, ‘Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay’ (v.5). As he cries out, he remembers God’s kindness to him in the past.
As I look back at this passage in my Bible and see cries for help that I have written down beside it over several years, I pray:
Thank you, Lord, so much for your kindness and love. Thank you for the ways that you have heard my cries for help. Thank you for those prayers that you have already answered and for those for which I am still waiting, knowing that you hear my prayers. Today, I want to add the following prayers …"
1. Yes, Lord, thank You for preparing me for Your plan for me. Thank You for answered prayers.
2. I would say sign language was productive today. Thank You for creating a mind that can absorb a lot of information.
3. My English class was cancelled so I had a bit of a time to rest at home. Thank You for that. And thank You for a strong message today about fellowship. Guard and guide me heart. Amen.
As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change, both in their lives and in the lives of people around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.
Psalm 70:1-5
Trust in the kindness of God
God is kind. He loves you. Whatever your needs are today, you can cry out to him and he will be your help and deliverer.
David prays, ‘God! Please hurry to my rescue! God, come quickly to my side!’ (v.1, MSG). He goes on, ‘Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay’ (v.5). As he cries out, he remembers God’s kindness to him in the past.
As I look back at this passage in my Bible and see cries for help that I have written down beside it over several years, I pray:
Thank you, Lord, so much for your kindness and love. Thank you for the ways that you have heard my cries for help. Thank you for those prayers that you have already answered and for those for which I am still waiting, knowing that you hear my prayers. Today, I want to add the following prayers …"
1. Yes, Lord, thank You for preparing me for Your plan for me. Thank You for answered prayers.
2. I would say sign language was productive today. Thank You for creating a mind that can absorb a lot of information.
3. My English class was cancelled so I had a bit of a time to rest at home. Thank You for that. And thank You for a strong message today about fellowship. Guard and guide me heart. Amen.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Act in Love
"1 Chronicles 9:1b-10:14
Stop fighting
‘The Philistines fought against Israel … The fighting grew fierce around Saul’ (10:1,3). Saul was attacked by the Philistines and died as a result. We find this account in 1 Samuel 31. However, the writer of Chronicles adds an explanation: ‘Saul died in disobedience, disobedient to God. He didn’t obey God’s words’ (1 Chronicles 10:13, MSG).
As we look back at the book of Samuel we can see that the real problem was that Saul became jealous of David. David can pretty well be considered an innocent party in the matter. He did everything he could to submit to Saul and to be on good terms with him. Saul would have none of it. He was out to get David. This internal dispute weakened Saul and made him vulnerable to an attack from outside.
We see today how internal disputes among the people of God make us vulnerable to attacks from outside. Jesus prayed that we would be one in order that the world would believe (John 17:23).
Lord, we see what terrible damage arguments, disputes and in-fighting does to the church. Help us, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone. May we always welcome those with different views. Help us always to act in love.
Lord, pour out your Spirit on the church. Unite us around the person of Jesus. May we be one in order that the world will believe."
1. Help me, Lord, to act in love. Thank You for Your daily reminders, guidance, and scolding. Thank You.
2. Mooncake season it is! I am loving this a-bit-costly cake. Thank You for little blessings.
3. This is a chill Saturday for me. I had time to go for my groceries and walk around 6 kilometers in total to and fro my destination. Although some plans were not successful, thank You for the grace that I was able to let go and has forgiven the situation. No big deal. :)
Stop fighting
‘The Philistines fought against Israel … The fighting grew fierce around Saul’ (10:1,3). Saul was attacked by the Philistines and died as a result. We find this account in 1 Samuel 31. However, the writer of Chronicles adds an explanation: ‘Saul died in disobedience, disobedient to God. He didn’t obey God’s words’ (1 Chronicles 10:13, MSG).
As we look back at the book of Samuel we can see that the real problem was that Saul became jealous of David. David can pretty well be considered an innocent party in the matter. He did everything he could to submit to Saul and to be on good terms with him. Saul would have none of it. He was out to get David. This internal dispute weakened Saul and made him vulnerable to an attack from outside.
We see today how internal disputes among the people of God make us vulnerable to attacks from outside. Jesus prayed that we would be one in order that the world would believe (John 17:23).
Lord, we see what terrible damage arguments, disputes and in-fighting does to the church. Help us, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone. May we always welcome those with different views. Help us always to act in love.
Lord, pour out your Spirit on the church. Unite us around the person of Jesus. May we be one in order that the world will believe."
1. Help me, Lord, to act in love. Thank You for Your daily reminders, guidance, and scolding. Thank You.
2. Mooncake season it is! I am loving this a-bit-costly cake. Thank You for little blessings.
3. This is a chill Saturday for me. I had time to go for my groceries and walk around 6 kilometers in total to and fro my destination. Although some plans were not successful, thank You for the grace that I was able to let go and has forgiven the situation. No big deal. :)
Friday, September 11, 2015
We are Anointed Ones
"Do you ever feel too weak or inadequate to be used by God?
A teenager from Cumbria in Northern England felt God calling him. He was poorly educated and ineloquent, and faced significant opposition throughout his ministry from those who felt that he wasn’t up to the task. Even as an old man he still admitted that, ‘Today I still blush and fear more than anything to have my lack of learning brought out into the open.’
Yet despite all his disadvantages he remained convinced that God had called and anointed him as an evangelist. He wrote, ‘We are a letter of Christ for salvation even to the back of beyond – and what does it matter if it is not a learned letter? For it is still to be found valid and plain for all to read, written in your very hearts, not in ink but by the Spirit of the living God!’
Today his more eloquent contemporaries have long been forgotten, but the impact of Patrick’s ministry and mission to Ireland is recognised around the world.
St Patrick knew that God had called and anointed him, despite his weaknesses. As we read the history of David’s life we find a similar mix of weakness and anointing. As he takes up the throne of Israel, David says, ‘Though I am the anointed king, I am weak’ (2 Samuel 3:39). In spite of weakness, God used him in extraordinary ways. He was God’s anointed (5:3).
However weak you may feel, you too can be anointed by God.
Psalm 69:13-28
Anointed in times of trouble
Are you going through a time of trouble? David was in a time of deep trouble in his life. He felt like he was in a ‘swamp’, a ‘Black Hole’, a ‘deathtrap’. He says that he is ‘flat on my face, reduced to a nothing’ (vv.15–20, MSG).
David, the anointed leader of Israel (2 Samuel 5:3), was a man of prayer. Many of the psalms are attributed to him. In this psalm we see an example of his honest, raw and intimate prayers.
Even if you are in a position of great weakness:
Know God’s great love for you
He prays, ‘In your great love, O God, answer me’ (Psalm 69:13). ‘Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me’ (v.16).
Cry out to God in your heart
Be honest with God. Tell him what you are really feeling. ‘Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink’ (v.14). ‘Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble’ (v.17).
1. Truly, thank You that I can run to You no matter what. You are my backbone, my only reliable support that I can trust. Thank You.Lord, thank you that I can pray to you in times of trouble. Thank you for your great love and mercy. Thank you that as I look back I can see the many ways in which you have answered me when I have been in trouble. Lord, today I cry to you for help with …"
2. Only by grace that I have patience. Thank You, Lord, for never abandoning me. I always ask that You continue to be in my heart to guide me in every decision that I make.
3. Today is my company's 27th birthday. Thank You for being a part of this new culture in spite some challenges that I had faced when I started. Trotzdem, thank You for all Your blessings.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Dealing with Disputes
"Romans 14:1-18
Deal with disputes
If only the church in the last 2,000 years had followed Paul’s instructions. As John Stott writes, Paul’s purpose in these verses ‘was to enable conservative-minded Christians (mostly Jewish) and liberal-minded Christians (mainly Gentiles) to coexist amicably in the Christian fellowship.’
There are certain matters over which Paul was willing to fight to death – the truth of the gospel (that Christ died for us, vv.9,15). The life, death and resurrection of Jesus (v.9) and the Lordship of Christ (v.9) are examples of what is non-negotiable.
However, Paul writes here that there are other things that are not nearly as important. They are ‘disputable matters’ (v.1). They are secondary areas. He gives various examples such as vegetarianism or thinking of one day as more sacred than another.
Today some Christians abstain from alcohol. Others do not. Some Christians are pacifists. Others are not. And there are many other issues where Christians are passionately divided about disputable matters. How do we deal with these disputes?
Welcome those with different views
He writes ‘accept’ (the word means ‘welcome’) those ‘whose faith is weak’ (v.1a). ‘Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do... Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God’ (vv.1,10, MSG).
Do not be quick to judge
‘Don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with’ (v.1b, MSG).
He goes on, ‘Who are you to judge someone else’s servants?’ (v.4). ‘Then let us no more criticise and blame and pass judgment on one another’ (v.13, AMP). We must allow people to have different views from our own without judging them for it.
Don’t look down on others
We ‘must not look down on’ (v.3a) those who have different views from our own. God has welcomed them (v.3b). So should we.
Do what you think is right
On all these secondary matters ‘everybody should be fully convinced in their own minds’ (v.5). ‘Each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience’ (v.5, MSG). ‘If you eat meat ... thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian ... thank God for broccoli’ (v.6, MSG). Just because we may agree to disagree on these matters does not make them irrelevant. We need to be careful to do what we think is right in every situation.
Assume the best about other people’s motives
‘Those who regard one day as special, do so to the Lord. Those who eat meat, eat to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and those who abstain, do so to the Lord and give thanks to God’ (v.6).
We should give others the benefit of the doubt and assume that they are seeking to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord (vv.7–8).
Be sensitive about other people’s consciences
Paul goes on to say, ‘Make up your mind not to put any stumbling-block or obstacle in another believer’s way’ (v.13). For example, if someone regards drinking alcohol as wrong, it would be insensitive to drink alcohol in front of them – even if we are convinced in our own mind that there is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in moderation. We do not want to cause them distress (v.15).
Help and encourage one another
‘So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault’ (v.19, MSG).
Always act in love
‘If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love’ (v.15). ‘So be sensitive and courteous ... Don’t eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love’ (v.21, MSG).
Disputable matters are important, but not as important as what unites us all: ‘For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (v.17). This is what really matters. Let us not get caught up in arguments about disputable matters, which divide the church and put off those outside the church.
We need to follow the words of the medieval writer Rupertus Meldenius, ‘On the essentials, unity; on the non-essentials, freedom; in everything, love.’
Lord, I pray for a new unity in the church. Help us to focus today and each day on what the kingdom of God is really about: righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
1. In everything, love. Amen. Thank You for Your faithfulness, for Your unending love for me. Hallelujah!
2. People come for a season, indeed. Thank You for bringing good-natured people in my life.
3. Thank You for yummy crabs along the streets and chocolatey ice cream for dessert.
Deal with disputes
If only the church in the last 2,000 years had followed Paul’s instructions. As John Stott writes, Paul’s purpose in these verses ‘was to enable conservative-minded Christians (mostly Jewish) and liberal-minded Christians (mainly Gentiles) to coexist amicably in the Christian fellowship.’
There are certain matters over which Paul was willing to fight to death – the truth of the gospel (that Christ died for us, vv.9,15). The life, death and resurrection of Jesus (v.9) and the Lordship of Christ (v.9) are examples of what is non-negotiable.
However, Paul writes here that there are other things that are not nearly as important. They are ‘disputable matters’ (v.1). They are secondary areas. He gives various examples such as vegetarianism or thinking of one day as more sacred than another.
Today some Christians abstain from alcohol. Others do not. Some Christians are pacifists. Others are not. And there are many other issues where Christians are passionately divided about disputable matters. How do we deal with these disputes?
Welcome those with different views
He writes ‘accept’ (the word means ‘welcome’) those ‘whose faith is weak’ (v.1a). ‘Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do... Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God’ (vv.1,10, MSG).
Do not be quick to judge
‘Don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with’ (v.1b, MSG).
He goes on, ‘Who are you to judge someone else’s servants?’ (v.4). ‘Then let us no more criticise and blame and pass judgment on one another’ (v.13, AMP). We must allow people to have different views from our own without judging them for it.
Don’t look down on others
We ‘must not look down on’ (v.3a) those who have different views from our own. God has welcomed them (v.3b). So should we.
Do what you think is right
On all these secondary matters ‘everybody should be fully convinced in their own minds’ (v.5). ‘Each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience’ (v.5, MSG). ‘If you eat meat ... thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian ... thank God for broccoli’ (v.6, MSG). Just because we may agree to disagree on these matters does not make them irrelevant. We need to be careful to do what we think is right in every situation.
Assume the best about other people’s motives
‘Those who regard one day as special, do so to the Lord. Those who eat meat, eat to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and those who abstain, do so to the Lord and give thanks to God’ (v.6).
We should give others the benefit of the doubt and assume that they are seeking to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord (vv.7–8).
Be sensitive about other people’s consciences
Paul goes on to say, ‘Make up your mind not to put any stumbling-block or obstacle in another believer’s way’ (v.13). For example, if someone regards drinking alcohol as wrong, it would be insensitive to drink alcohol in front of them – even if we are convinced in our own mind that there is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in moderation. We do not want to cause them distress (v.15).
Help and encourage one another
‘So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault’ (v.19, MSG).
Always act in love
‘If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love’ (v.15). ‘So be sensitive and courteous ... Don’t eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love’ (v.21, MSG).
Disputable matters are important, but not as important as what unites us all: ‘For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (v.17). This is what really matters. Let us not get caught up in arguments about disputable matters, which divide the church and put off those outside the church.
We need to follow the words of the medieval writer Rupertus Meldenius, ‘On the essentials, unity; on the non-essentials, freedom; in everything, love.’
Lord, I pray for a new unity in the church. Help us to focus today and each day on what the kingdom of God is really about: righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
1. In everything, love. Amen. Thank You for Your faithfulness, for Your unending love for me. Hallelujah!
2. People come for a season, indeed. Thank You for bringing good-natured people in my life.
3. Thank You for yummy crabs along the streets and chocolatey ice cream for dessert.
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
How to Avoid...
How to Avoid Arguments, Deal with Disputes and Stop Fighting
Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq. Wars, terrorism, strikes, murders, divorce, splits in the church. Open the newspapers any day and practically every page will include stories of arguments, disputes and fighting.
When sin entered the world, arguments, disputes and fighting began. Adam blamed Eve. Cain murdered his brother. The history of the world ever since has been one of conflict of all kinds.
When people turn away from God, they start fighting one another. We see the breakdown of relationships wherever we look: broken marriages, broken homes, broken relationships at work, civil wars and wars between nations. Sadly, the church is not immune. Right from the start there have been arguments, disputes and in-fighting.
How should we handle conflict?
Proverbs 18:17-19:2
Avoid arguments
As always, Proverbs is full of practical advice on how to avoid arguments.
Listen to both sides
There are usually two sides to an argument, and it is always worth hearing both parties. The right of cross examination is an important one, with a vital place in any legal system. ‘The first speech in a court case is always convincing – until the cross-examination starts!’ (v.17, MSG).
Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit
We need God’s guidance especially when facing ‘tough decisions’ (v.18, MSG). In the Old Testament, ‘casting the lot’ was a way of settling disputes. However, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit there are better ways of receiving God’s guidance over disputes (see 1 Corinthians 6:1–6).
Avoid unnecessary offence
We need to do everything we possibly can to avoid offending our brothers and sisters. ‘An offended relative is more unyielding than a fortified city’ (Proverbs 18:19). Serious disputes create barriers among friends. These walls are easy to erect and extremely hard to pull down.
Choose your words carefully
We need to be very careful in what we say. Our words can bring great satisfaction and heal division: ‘Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest’ (v.20, MSG).
Yet words can also bring destruction: ‘Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose’ (v.21, MSG). As Joyce Meyer writes, the words we speak ‘carry either a life-giving force or a destructive force.’ We can do great good or great damage with what we say.
Choose your companions carefully
I don’t know whether it is coincidence that it is in this context that the writer says, ‘Find a good spouse, you find a good life – and even more: the favour of God!’ (v.22, MSG). It is certainly true in my experience that Pippa’s wisdom, advice and involvement have often helped me to avoid getting into trouble in this area. A good husband or wife can often be a peacemaker.
Whether we are married or not, what we need are really close friends. The second part of this proverb reminds us that while friends come and go, ‘There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister’ (v.24b). These are the sorts of friends we need in our lives. Ultimately, of course, Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister.
‘Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips’ (Psalm 141:3). Lord, help us in all we do and say to avoid unnecessary offence and disputes. Forgive me for times when I have upset other people. May my speech be a source of life to those around me.
1. Yes, Lord, may my speech be a source of life to those around me. Thank You for the Holy Spirit to help and guide me in my words.
2. Thank You for the social media, really. It helps in connecting people in all parts of the world.
3. Thank You for the gift of connection. May I use this more for Your glory.
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
God Knows the Grander View
"Called to drive Baalism out of Israel, Elijah preached, prayed, and prophesied for twenty-five grueling years. As he came to the close of his ministry, he thought he had failed. He asked God to take his life. However, God views things differently than man does, and He never considered this great spiritual leader a failure. Elijah had faithfully preached without fear or favor during the years of Kings Ahab and Amaziah. When Elijah's earthly life was to end, God sent a special chariot to bear him in triumph to glory. The book of 2 Kings is dominated by the influence of this great prophet.
During all his years of preaching, Elijah did not have great throngs of converts. However, one young farmer was touched deeply by the prophet's message and left everything to follow him. Elisha shared Elijah's compassion and asked for a double portion of the power of that great prophet. God granted that request, and the ministry of Elijah was extended beyond his own lifetime by Elisha. In fact, no other Bible prophet performed as many miracles as did Elisha. No wonder that, from God's viewpoint, Elijah was no failure.
God sees our lives differently than we do. We are limited by time and space, but God can look beyond the next hill to a grander view. Rather than becoming discouraged with ourselves, we should leave the judgment of our lives to God. We should remember that real success does not depend on results; rather, it depends on whether we are obeying God's unique plan for our lives. When we leave the results with God, we do not need to feel discouraged in times of stress and apparent lack of results."
1. Thank You, Lord, for reminding me this. May I not conclude just from what I see and understand.
2. Thank You for the introduction of Burrata, that yummy cheese in Pizza.
3. Thank You likewise for funny new friends. :)
Monday, September 07, 2015
Build a Life
"A group of Chicago architects estimate that, if Solomon's temple were built today, it would cost more than 87 billion dollars. Without a doubt, the temple was the most elaborately expensive building of that day and probably of all time. The story of how this temple is built is contained in 1 Kings. David died without being permitted to build a house for God because of his bloody war years. However, he had gathered materials for the structure; and when his son Solomon took over the kingdom, Solomon completed the house of worship.
Hiring artisans and craftsmen from neighboring nations, Solomon began the vast project. The temple was to represent the worthiness and importance of worship in Israel. It was rich in spiritual symbolism, and on dedication day, God's presence so filled the place that the priests could not minister. Ironically, although Solomon built this great structure, he ignored God in later years and died in spiritual disgrace. Solomon's sins spilled over on his son and caused a split in the kingdom. Solomon would have been wiser had he built a godly life as well as a temple.
No man can escape his personal spiritual responsibility. Although he gives all he has to the poor and his body in martyrdom, if he does not have a deep personal love for God, it is for nothing. This premise forms the basis of 1 Corinthians 13 and shows the tragedy of Solomon's life. He had spent all his time building a temple and not a life. Temples and memorials are nice. However, God's Word tells us that we must never neglect the temple of our personal lives because it is there that God dwells. A billion-dollar life is far better than a billion-dollar church."
1, Thank You, Lord, for dwelling in me. May I not be caught in the busyness of life and that I may focus on You and You alone.
2. Finally, I was able to try that sizzling version of beef. Affordable and yummy. Thank You for these blessings, Lord.
3. Thank You for being always with me. May I always listen and heed Your advises.
Sunday, September 06, 2015
Inspite of Imperfections
"Acts 3:1-26
Give and receive kindness
God has an endless supply of kindness. David speaks of ‘God’s kindness’ (9:3). The apostle Paul speaks of the ‘riches of his kindness’ (Romans 2:4). When you show kindness, it is a way of expressing God’s kindness to you.
David asks, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ (2 Samuel 9:1). He then asks Ziba, ‘Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the unfailing, unsought, unlimited mercy and kindness of God?’ (v.3, AMP).
Mephibosheth was only five years old at the time of his father’s death (4:4) and now had a young son (9:12). David had been reigning in Jerusalem for at least seven years and Mephibosheth was probably about twenty years of age. The kindness that David shows Mephibosheth is like the kindness of God to us – unfailing, unsought and unlimited.
As in our New Testament passage, it is someone who is crippled (9:4) to whom kindness is shown. David says to Mephibosheth, ‘Don’t be afraid … for I will surely show you kindness … I will restore to you all the land … and you will always eat at my table’ (v.7).
Then, David looks for further opportunities to show kindness. ‘I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me’ (10:2). Sadly, as sometimes happens, this kindness was misunderstood (v.3f.). However, this should not put us off. It is natural and right to want to show kindness to the children whose parents have been particularly kind to us.
Mephibosheth said, ‘Who am I that you pay attention to a stray dog like me?’ (v.8, MSG). He had a poor self-image. Like many of us, he was focused on his imperfections. But God blesses us in spite of our imperfections. He wants us to know and experience his unlimited kindness. Don’t focus on what is wrong – your sins, faults, weaknesses and failures. In Christ, God has given you his righteousness and wants to pour out on you the riches of his kindness to us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).
Lord, thank you for the riches of your kindness to me. Help me to always be on the lookout for opportunities to show kindness to those in need."
1. Thank You for loving me as I am, thank You for designing me like this. You know best.
2. Getting ready in less than 20 minutes was a feat. That was simply because of lack of sleep. Thank You for mis/adventures, everything was fun!
3. Thank You for this trip that gathered us once again. Thank You for the time You have given us to bond, chitchat, play, eat, tour, and make fun of each other. Hallelujah for treasured memories.
Give and receive kindness
God has an endless supply of kindness. David speaks of ‘God’s kindness’ (9:3). The apostle Paul speaks of the ‘riches of his kindness’ (Romans 2:4). When you show kindness, it is a way of expressing God’s kindness to you.
David asks, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ (2 Samuel 9:1). He then asks Ziba, ‘Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the unfailing, unsought, unlimited mercy and kindness of God?’ (v.3, AMP).
Mephibosheth was only five years old at the time of his father’s death (4:4) and now had a young son (9:12). David had been reigning in Jerusalem for at least seven years and Mephibosheth was probably about twenty years of age. The kindness that David shows Mephibosheth is like the kindness of God to us – unfailing, unsought and unlimited.
As in our New Testament passage, it is someone who is crippled (9:4) to whom kindness is shown. David says to Mephibosheth, ‘Don’t be afraid … for I will surely show you kindness … I will restore to you all the land … and you will always eat at my table’ (v.7).
Then, David looks for further opportunities to show kindness. ‘I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me’ (10:2). Sadly, as sometimes happens, this kindness was misunderstood (v.3f.). However, this should not put us off. It is natural and right to want to show kindness to the children whose parents have been particularly kind to us.
Mephibosheth said, ‘Who am I that you pay attention to a stray dog like me?’ (v.8, MSG). He had a poor self-image. Like many of us, he was focused on his imperfections. But God blesses us in spite of our imperfections. He wants us to know and experience his unlimited kindness. Don’t focus on what is wrong – your sins, faults, weaknesses and failures. In Christ, God has given you his righteousness and wants to pour out on you the riches of his kindness to us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).
Lord, thank you for the riches of your kindness to me. Help me to always be on the lookout for opportunities to show kindness to those in need."
1. Thank You for loving me as I am, thank You for designing me like this. You know best.
2. Getting ready in less than 20 minutes was a feat. That was simply because of lack of sleep. Thank You for mis/adventures, everything was fun!
3. Thank You for this trip that gathered us once again. Thank You for the time You have given us to bond, chitchat, play, eat, tour, and make fun of each other. Hallelujah for treasured memories.
Saturday, September 05, 2015
Times of Refreshing
"Acts 3:1-26
Act kindly to those in need
One act of kindness can transform a person’s day, or even their life. As the saying goes, ‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.’ Kindness is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Just after they had been filled with the Holy Spirit, we see in this passage what is later described as an ‘act of kindness’ (4:9) performed by Peter and John (3:1–10).
This ‘act of kindness’ led to a remarkable chain of events, which can perhaps best be described as ‘power evangelism’. It led to astonishing church growth. It was part of the beginning of an explosion that eventually was to change the whole world.
If we were asked to start a new church, I doubt we would have done it the way they did. They had no building, no money and no resources. It began with a bunch of fisherman and tax collectors and, among other things, a whole load of people speaking in tongues! Yet the church exploded into life with astonishing growth.
People from outside were attracted because of what they saw happening on the inside. They were attracted by the sheer undiluted power of God released through this ‘act of kindness’.
These two guys were on their way to an evening service. When they got there they saw a person in desperate need, begging for help. This is the sort of person that we might expect to find in one of the few places they could hope to receive any kindness.
The man ‘was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts’ (v.2). According to Josephus, it ‘far exceeded in value those gates plated in silver and gold’.
The gate was called Beautiful; and yet what they saw was not beautiful – a man crippled from birth begging.
Their hearts did not sink when they saw the incongruity. Rather, their faith rose. They did something. They healed him. They saw someone in need. They didn’t have any money but Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’ (v.6).
There is great power in the name of Jesus. To the Hebrew mind a person’s name revealed their character. This was not a magic formula or a tag-on at the end of a prayer. This was the difference between the ministry of Jesus and that of his disciples. Jesus healed on his own authority, while the disciples did it in his name. In the same way, we are dependent on him. In our weakness, you and I can continue to exercise his ministry, in his power and in his name.
‘Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God’ (vv.7–8).
Not only was this man healed, but many people were also converted. This one act of kindness had an astonishing effect. The people ‘were filled with wonder and amazement at what happened to him … all the people were astonished and came running to them’ (vv.10–11). The demonstration of the power of God was accompanied by the proclamation of the gospel. They then had the opportunity to speak about Jesus: his death and resurrection, and the need for faith (vv.14–16).
Our preaching should always be Jesus-centred. Peter’s second sermon, like his first, is totally focused on Jesus. He starts by saying, ‘People of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (v.12). Peter does not want the people to be focused on himself, but rather on Jesus.
The whole talk is about Jesus. Jesus is God’s ‘servant’ (v.13), ‘the Holy and Righteous One’ (v.14), ‘the author of life’ (v.15) and the ‘prophet’ foretold by Moses (v.22). He says that it is, ‘By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him’ (v.16).
Peter gives the good news about Jesus. He speaks about sin, the cross, the resurrection and the need to repent and turn to God. He assures them of God’s promise to forgive their sins and restore their relationship with God. He says, ‘Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord’ (v.19).
‘Times of refreshing’ come when we spend time in God’s presence. When you are weary or worn out you can be refreshed by spending time with God. Sometimes, you need to learn to separate yourself from the busyness of life and spend time with God in the way that Jesus did. The Holy Spirit wants to bring times of ‘refreshing’ to you.
Lord, thank you that there is such power in the name of Jesus. I pray for an opportunity today to show kindness to someone and help them in Jesus’ name.
1. Thank You for the power of healing, Thank You that I can come running to you in times of need.
2. Hallelujah for a successful jump! How I have basked in the incredible beauty of Your creations! Thank You for this experience and especially for the protection! Thank You that You allowed me to do it, by Your grace=)
3. Thank You, Lord, for eye-openers, for moments that called for awakening. I wanted to cry after realizing how real the situation was. It was indeed a dark world out there. May Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth.
Act kindly to those in need
One act of kindness can transform a person’s day, or even their life. As the saying goes, ‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.’ Kindness is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Just after they had been filled with the Holy Spirit, we see in this passage what is later described as an ‘act of kindness’ (4:9) performed by Peter and John (3:1–10).
This ‘act of kindness’ led to a remarkable chain of events, which can perhaps best be described as ‘power evangelism’. It led to astonishing church growth. It was part of the beginning of an explosion that eventually was to change the whole world.
If we were asked to start a new church, I doubt we would have done it the way they did. They had no building, no money and no resources. It began with a bunch of fisherman and tax collectors and, among other things, a whole load of people speaking in tongues! Yet the church exploded into life with astonishing growth.
People from outside were attracted because of what they saw happening on the inside. They were attracted by the sheer undiluted power of God released through this ‘act of kindness’.
These two guys were on their way to an evening service. When they got there they saw a person in desperate need, begging for help. This is the sort of person that we might expect to find in one of the few places they could hope to receive any kindness.
The man ‘was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts’ (v.2). According to Josephus, it ‘far exceeded in value those gates plated in silver and gold’.
The gate was called Beautiful; and yet what they saw was not beautiful – a man crippled from birth begging.
Their hearts did not sink when they saw the incongruity. Rather, their faith rose. They did something. They healed him. They saw someone in need. They didn’t have any money but Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’ (v.6).
There is great power in the name of Jesus. To the Hebrew mind a person’s name revealed their character. This was not a magic formula or a tag-on at the end of a prayer. This was the difference between the ministry of Jesus and that of his disciples. Jesus healed on his own authority, while the disciples did it in his name. In the same way, we are dependent on him. In our weakness, you and I can continue to exercise his ministry, in his power and in his name.
‘Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God’ (vv.7–8).
Not only was this man healed, but many people were also converted. This one act of kindness had an astonishing effect. The people ‘were filled with wonder and amazement at what happened to him … all the people were astonished and came running to them’ (vv.10–11). The demonstration of the power of God was accompanied by the proclamation of the gospel. They then had the opportunity to speak about Jesus: his death and resurrection, and the need for faith (vv.14–16).
Our preaching should always be Jesus-centred. Peter’s second sermon, like his first, is totally focused on Jesus. He starts by saying, ‘People of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (v.12). Peter does not want the people to be focused on himself, but rather on Jesus.
The whole talk is about Jesus. Jesus is God’s ‘servant’ (v.13), ‘the Holy and Righteous One’ (v.14), ‘the author of life’ (v.15) and the ‘prophet’ foretold by Moses (v.22). He says that it is, ‘By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him’ (v.16).
Peter gives the good news about Jesus. He speaks about sin, the cross, the resurrection and the need to repent and turn to God. He assures them of God’s promise to forgive their sins and restore their relationship with God. He says, ‘Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord’ (v.19).
‘Times of refreshing’ come when we spend time in God’s presence. When you are weary or worn out you can be refreshed by spending time with God. Sometimes, you need to learn to separate yourself from the busyness of life and spend time with God in the way that Jesus did. The Holy Spirit wants to bring times of ‘refreshing’ to you.
Lord, thank you that there is such power in the name of Jesus. I pray for an opportunity today to show kindness to someone and help them in Jesus’ name.
1. Thank You for the power of healing, Thank You that I can come running to you in times of need.
2. Hallelujah for a successful jump! How I have basked in the incredible beauty of Your creations! Thank You for this experience and especially for the protection! Thank You that You allowed me to do it, by Your grace=)
3. Thank You, Lord, for eye-openers, for moments that called for awakening. I wanted to cry after realizing how real the situation was. It was indeed a dark world out there. May Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth.
Friday, September 04, 2015
Simple Acts of Kindness
"Steve Sjogren wrote a book called Conspiracy of Kindness. He started a church in Cincinnati, Ohio, that has grown rapidly to an average attendance of 7,500 in just fifteen years. Their motto is, ‘Small things done with great love are changing the world’. They carry out random acts of kindness like paying for a stranger’s coffee, or writing a ‘thank you’ note to a shop assistant. They have discovered the power and impact of ‘showing God’s love in practical ways’.
As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change, both in their lives and in the lives of people around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.
Psalm 70:1-5
Trust in the kindness of God
God is kind. He loves you. Whatever your needs are today, you can cry out to him and he will be your help and deliverer.
David prays, ‘God! Please hurry to my rescue! God, come quickly to my side!’ (v.1, MSG). He goes on, ‘Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay’ (v.5). As he cries out, he remembers God’s kindness to him in the past.
As I look back at this passage in my Bible and see cries for help that I have written down beside it over several years, I pray:
1. Thank You for showing what kindness really means. Thank You for hearing my prayers.Thank you, Lord, so much for your kindness and love. Thank you for the ways that you have heard my cries for help. Thank you for those prayers that you have already answered and for those for which I am still waiting, knowing that you hear my prayers. Today, I want to add the following prayers ..."
2. Temple run. Indeed, that was the goal. We had so much fun going around, scorched by the heat, haggling with drivers, relaxing in a boat tour, pretending to be locals, and lots of laughing in between. Thank You for the great time!
3. Thank You for reuniting the group once more in this trip. Thank You for Your protection.
Thursday, September 03, 2015
Victory is not Always Glamorous
"Acts 2:22-47
Victory everywhere you go
The victory of Jesus was foreshadowed in the life of David. There are over a thousand references to David in the Bible. He was an anointed (messiah) king. The Lord gave him ‘rest from all his enemies around him’ (7:1). Nathan the prophet said to David, ‘Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you’ (v.3). ‘The Lord gave David victory wherever he went’ (8:6,14).
We see in David’s prayer an example to follow:
Praise for God’s greatness
David has both a sense of his own unworthiness in the presence of God (7:18) and at the same time, a realisation of the greatness of God: ‘How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you’ (v.22). He praises God for his redemption of his people (v.23).
Passion for God’s name
David is passionate to see God’s name honoured: ‘Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever’ (vv.25–26).
Promise for God’s family
David trusts in God’s word: ‘Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant’ (v.28). He goes on to ask for one more thing: ‘Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You’ve already as much as said that you would, Master God! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently!’ (v.29, MSG).
God made a covenant with David. Whereas God had been dwelling in a tent (7:2), he promises to establish a house for David (vv.7,10–11). He promises, ‘I will raise up your offspring to succeed you … I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever … Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever’ (vv.12–13,16).
Only in Jesus were the promises of the Davidic covenant fulfilled. The human kings failed, but there remained the hope of a future king who would fulfil the kingship ideal. Jesus was the son of David (see, for example, Matthew 1:1). As he entered Jerusalem, the people cried out, ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ (Mark 11:10).
However, the victory of Jesus and the kingdom of Jesus were far greater than anyone had anticipated. They were achieved not by a conquering king winning physical battles, but by a dying Saviour winning the great spiritual victory over sin, guilt, addiction, fear and even death itself.
We see from the example of Jesus that victory is not always glamorous or even obvious. But God promises you, as he promises David, that he will be with you wherever you go and that, in Christ, ultimately you will be victorious.
Lord, like David, I feel a sense of unworthiness in your presence. ‘Who am I, O Sovereign Lord?’ (7:1). Thank you that in Christ you promise us even greater victories than David over sin, guilt, addiction, fear and even death itself. Lord, I trust today that you will be with me and help me wherever I go."
1. Indeed, thank You Lord for these promises of even greater victories than David. Amen!
2. Thank You for plans but still thank You even if some do not materialize as I have planned. Thank You for calling me out to serve.
3. Thank You for a safe flight, although it was a shaky one. This was when I focus on where I am as your servant. Thank You.
4. Thank You for giving people the gift of humor. It was fun meeting people like that.
Victory everywhere you go
The victory of Jesus was foreshadowed in the life of David. There are over a thousand references to David in the Bible. He was an anointed (messiah) king. The Lord gave him ‘rest from all his enemies around him’ (7:1). Nathan the prophet said to David, ‘Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you’ (v.3). ‘The Lord gave David victory wherever he went’ (8:6,14).
We see in David’s prayer an example to follow:
Praise for God’s greatness
David has both a sense of his own unworthiness in the presence of God (7:18) and at the same time, a realisation of the greatness of God: ‘How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you’ (v.22). He praises God for his redemption of his people (v.23).
Passion for God’s name
David is passionate to see God’s name honoured: ‘Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever’ (vv.25–26).
Promise for God’s family
David trusts in God’s word: ‘Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant’ (v.28). He goes on to ask for one more thing: ‘Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You’ve already as much as said that you would, Master God! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently!’ (v.29, MSG).
God made a covenant with David. Whereas God had been dwelling in a tent (7:2), he promises to establish a house for David (vv.7,10–11). He promises, ‘I will raise up your offspring to succeed you … I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever … Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever’ (vv.12–13,16).
Only in Jesus were the promises of the Davidic covenant fulfilled. The human kings failed, but there remained the hope of a future king who would fulfil the kingship ideal. Jesus was the son of David (see, for example, Matthew 1:1). As he entered Jerusalem, the people cried out, ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ (Mark 11:10).
However, the victory of Jesus and the kingdom of Jesus were far greater than anyone had anticipated. They were achieved not by a conquering king winning physical battles, but by a dying Saviour winning the great spiritual victory over sin, guilt, addiction, fear and even death itself.
We see from the example of Jesus that victory is not always glamorous or even obvious. But God promises you, as he promises David, that he will be with you wherever you go and that, in Christ, ultimately you will be victorious.
Lord, like David, I feel a sense of unworthiness in your presence. ‘Who am I, O Sovereign Lord?’ (7:1). Thank you that in Christ you promise us even greater victories than David over sin, guilt, addiction, fear and even death itself. Lord, I trust today that you will be with me and help me wherever I go."
1. Indeed, thank You Lord for these promises of even greater victories than David. Amen!
2. Thank You for plans but still thank You even if some do not materialize as I have planned. Thank You for calling me out to serve.
3. Thank You for a safe flight, although it was a shaky one. This was when I focus on where I am as your servant. Thank You.
4. Thank You for giving people the gift of humor. It was fun meeting people like that.
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Assurance of Resurrection
"Acts 2:22-47
Victory of Jesus
The church should be a place of ‘celebration, exuberant and joyful’ (v.46, MSG). We should be the most positive people in the world. We are constantly celebrating Jesus and the victory of God.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, explains the great victory of Jesus. He speaks about his life, ministry, death and, in particular, his resurrection. He gives four reasons why you can be sure that Jesus has been raised from the dead and therefore you can be sure that you will be raised to life with him:
Logical
Satan’s power of death could not possibly be stronger than the power of life in God’s Messiah. Peter explains that, ‘God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him’ (v.24).
Biblical
He points out that the resurrection was prophesied in Psalm 16:8–11 (Acts 2:25–28). Peter says, ‘[David] was a prophet and knew that God had promised on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ’ (vv.30–31).
Personal
The third argument that Peter gives for the resurrection of Jesus is his own testimony. ‘God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact’ (v.32). Peter says in effect, ‘We have seen him’.
Experiential
The experience of the Holy Spirit is in itself evidence of the resurrection. After the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, came the final act in his saving ministry: ‘Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear’ (v.33).
This experience was not confined to those who were present on the day of Pentecost. It is for every Christian. It is for you. ‘The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call’ (v.39). Every time someone experiences the Holy Spirit it is further evidence of the resurrection. Every time you see someone being filled with the Holy Spirit or hear their testimony of how the Holy Spirit has changed their life it is further evidence of the resurrection.
The way you receive the promise is by repentance, faith in Jesus, baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (vv.37–38). The evidence that you have received the Holy Spirit will be seen in a changed life and a transformed community (vv.42–47). The church is not only a place of celebration, exuberance and joy; it should also be supremely a place of love.
Love for God
The church is a place full of love for God. They had a new love for the Bible: ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching’ (v.42). Much of this teaching is now enshrined in the New Testament.
They had a new love for the sacraments: ‘They devoted themselves to ... the breaking of bread’ (v.42). ‘They broke bread in their homes’ (v.46).
They had a new love for prayer (v.42). The Spirit-filled church will be a praying church.
Love for one another
The church should be marked by love for one another. They had a new desire to meet together: ‘They devoted themselves ... to the fellowship’ (v.42). They continued to meet together and ate together with ‘glad and sincere hearts’ (v.46). There was a new release of finances and generosity in giving (vv.44–45). The Spirit-filled church will be a united church.
Love for the world
The church should be filled with a love for the world. They were an outward focused community performing signs and wonders (v.43). ‘The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved’ (v.47). The Spirit-filled church will be an outward-looking church.
Lord, thank you for the great victory of Jesus over sin and death. Thank you for the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit. Please fill me again today with your Spirit. May my heart overflow with love for you and for everyone I meet."
1. Thank You Lord for giving the assurance that Jesus was raised to life.
2. Timing is perfect, thank You, Lord. I was able to meet a backpacker I met 15 days ago and I have learnt something from him to appreciate your blessings more.
3. I love music. It was a super fun day of singing, bonding, party, and some walking. Thank You for these moments.
Victory of Jesus
The church should be a place of ‘celebration, exuberant and joyful’ (v.46, MSG). We should be the most positive people in the world. We are constantly celebrating Jesus and the victory of God.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, explains the great victory of Jesus. He speaks about his life, ministry, death and, in particular, his resurrection. He gives four reasons why you can be sure that Jesus has been raised from the dead and therefore you can be sure that you will be raised to life with him:
Logical
Satan’s power of death could not possibly be stronger than the power of life in God’s Messiah. Peter explains that, ‘God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him’ (v.24).
Biblical
He points out that the resurrection was prophesied in Psalm 16:8–11 (Acts 2:25–28). Peter says, ‘[David] was a prophet and knew that God had promised on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ’ (vv.30–31).
Personal
The third argument that Peter gives for the resurrection of Jesus is his own testimony. ‘God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact’ (v.32). Peter says in effect, ‘We have seen him’.
Experiential
The experience of the Holy Spirit is in itself evidence of the resurrection. After the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, came the final act in his saving ministry: ‘Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear’ (v.33).
This experience was not confined to those who were present on the day of Pentecost. It is for every Christian. It is for you. ‘The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call’ (v.39). Every time someone experiences the Holy Spirit it is further evidence of the resurrection. Every time you see someone being filled with the Holy Spirit or hear their testimony of how the Holy Spirit has changed their life it is further evidence of the resurrection.
The way you receive the promise is by repentance, faith in Jesus, baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (vv.37–38). The evidence that you have received the Holy Spirit will be seen in a changed life and a transformed community (vv.42–47). The church is not only a place of celebration, exuberance and joy; it should also be supremely a place of love.
Love for God
The church is a place full of love for God. They had a new love for the Bible: ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching’ (v.42). Much of this teaching is now enshrined in the New Testament.
They had a new love for the sacraments: ‘They devoted themselves to ... the breaking of bread’ (v.42). ‘They broke bread in their homes’ (v.46).
They had a new love for prayer (v.42). The Spirit-filled church will be a praying church.
Love for one another
The church should be marked by love for one another. They had a new desire to meet together: ‘They devoted themselves ... to the fellowship’ (v.42). They continued to meet together and ate together with ‘glad and sincere hearts’ (v.46). There was a new release of finances and generosity in giving (vv.44–45). The Spirit-filled church will be a united church.
Love for the world
The church should be filled with a love for the world. They were an outward focused community performing signs and wonders (v.43). ‘The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved’ (v.47). The Spirit-filled church will be an outward-looking church.
Lord, thank you for the great victory of Jesus over sin and death. Thank you for the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit. Please fill me again today with your Spirit. May my heart overflow with love for you and for everyone I meet."
1. Thank You Lord for giving the assurance that Jesus was raised to life.
2. Timing is perfect, thank You, Lord. I was able to meet a backpacker I met 15 days ago and I have learnt something from him to appreciate your blessings more.
3. I love music. It was a super fun day of singing, bonding, party, and some walking. Thank You for these moments.
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
Careful Thoughts
"I have played squash regularly with a group of friends for many years. We are all about the same standard. We virtually take it in turns to win and lose. Nevertheless, winning always feels good.
We always enjoy a victory. The feelings of pleasure and satisfaction that accompany victory are quite natural. This is, of course, a trivial example. The victory that is at the centre of today’s passages is of a totally different order and significance. But even the tiniest and most insignificant victory gives us a taste of its meaning and joy.
Jesus and the Victory of God is the title of a book by Professor Tom Wright, former Bishop of Durham. This title sums up the themes in today’s passages. The great victory of God that we read about in the New Testament is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. The ultimate victory of God came with the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus and the outpouring of his Spirit.
The kingdom that this victory ushered in has a present and a future aspect. In the future, when Jesus returns, his kingdom will be finally and completely established forever. At the present time we continue to see the fallen world around us, but we hope and pray for the kingdom to break in.
Proverbs 14:5-14
Victory of goodness
The ‘fool’ in the book of Proverbs does not mean someone lacking intelligence. Rather it means the rebel (especially against God and the laws of decency and justice): ‘the mocker … the foolish … the wicked … the faithless’ (vv.6,7,9,11,14) come to a sticky end (vv.11–14). Their path ends in death.
On the other hand, as we see in this passage, the book of Proverbs is full of teaching about the importance of righteousness and holiness. We read here about ‘a truthful witness … the upright … the good’ (vv.5,9,11,14).
The implication is that the righteous will in some way outlast death and ‘will flourish’ and be ‘rewarded’ (vv.11–14). In other words, they will ultimately be victorious: ‘a moral life is a favoured life’ (v.9b, MSG).
Lord, help me always to be a truthful witness. May I have the wisdom to give careful thought to everything I do. Help me, by the power of your Holy Spirit, to be faithful in all my ways and do the good works which you have prepared in advance for me to do (Ephesians 2:10)."
1. Thank You for the ultimate victory.
2. Thank You for a very good, long walk in the city with new friends.
3. Thank You for a satisfying dinner after the great, fun walk.
Monday, August 31, 2015
The Sound of Worship
"Acts 1:23-2:21
Sounds of celebration
Before we look at the sounds of celebration, it is worth noting that there is another mention of sound in this passage. When David enquired of the Lord whether he should go on the attack, the Lord first answered, ‘Go’ (5:19). Then, the second time he enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered, ‘Do not go straight up, but … As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly’ (vv.23–24). It is not clear exactly what this means. However, it is an evocative expression. Perhaps, it means that as soon as we hear that God is on the move, we should act quickly.
God gave David victory, and this led to a great celebration. ‘David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals’ (6:5). It must have been extremely noisy!
David danced and worshiped God in a very demonstrative way: ‘David, wearing a linen ephod,danced before the Lord with all his might … David’s wife, Michal, was embarrassed and despised him for his display of passion (vv.14,16).
David replies that he will continue to worship even more passionately and boldly than before: ‘David said to Michal … “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this” ’ (vv.21–22). Here, we see a biblical example of loud and uninhibited celebration. There is a warning in this passage against looking down or despising the way others express their worship to God (v.23). Of course, we must avoid exhibitionism. But David’s exuberance came from the heart and was a genuine act of celebration.
We need to be sensitive to those around us – especially, for example, in the early weeks of Alpha when there are lots of people around who are not used to exuberant worship. However, generally we should feel free to express our worship to God as passionately as we want, not worrying about what other people might think of us.
Lord, help us to recognise the sounds of heaven – the sound of worship, the sound of the Holy Spirit and the sound of celebration. May the churches again be filled with the sound of worship and celebration. May every Alpha Weekend be filled with the sound of the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit. May this further increase the sound of worship and celebration to the glory of your name."
1. Thank You that I can express my worship to You and may I be sensitive also to those around me.
2. Thank You for some progress in learning Vietnamese and the responsibility to be able to translate and help friends choose what to eat.
3. Thank You for gifting artists to create wonderful stories like Inside Out. It was truly touching.
Sounds of celebration
Before we look at the sounds of celebration, it is worth noting that there is another mention of sound in this passage. When David enquired of the Lord whether he should go on the attack, the Lord first answered, ‘Go’ (5:19). Then, the second time he enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered, ‘Do not go straight up, but … As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly’ (vv.23–24). It is not clear exactly what this means. However, it is an evocative expression. Perhaps, it means that as soon as we hear that God is on the move, we should act quickly.
God gave David victory, and this led to a great celebration. ‘David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals’ (6:5). It must have been extremely noisy!
David danced and worshiped God in a very demonstrative way: ‘David, wearing a linen ephod,danced before the Lord with all his might … David’s wife, Michal, was embarrassed and despised him for his display of passion (vv.14,16).
David replies that he will continue to worship even more passionately and boldly than before: ‘David said to Michal … “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this” ’ (vv.21–22). Here, we see a biblical example of loud and uninhibited celebration. There is a warning in this passage against looking down or despising the way others express their worship to God (v.23). Of course, we must avoid exhibitionism. But David’s exuberance came from the heart and was a genuine act of celebration.
We need to be sensitive to those around us – especially, for example, in the early weeks of Alpha when there are lots of people around who are not used to exuberant worship. However, generally we should feel free to express our worship to God as passionately as we want, not worrying about what other people might think of us.
Lord, help us to recognise the sounds of heaven – the sound of worship, the sound of the Holy Spirit and the sound of celebration. May the churches again be filled with the sound of worship and celebration. May every Alpha Weekend be filled with the sound of the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit. May this further increase the sound of worship and celebration to the glory of your name."
1. Thank You that I can express my worship to You and may I be sensitive also to those around me.
2. Thank You for some progress in learning Vietnamese and the responsibility to be able to translate and help friends choose what to eat.
3. Thank You for gifting artists to create wonderful stories like Inside Out. It was truly touching.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)