"2 Samuel 15:13-16:14
Refreshed in the midst of troubles
David’s own son Absalom has turned against him, and David is told that the ‘hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom’ (15:13). This must have been devastating news. David, a great man of God, a king for God’s people and a ‘type’ of Christ (indeed, an ancestor of Christ), faced many troubles in his life.
Tears
We see just how upset David was. He ‘continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot’ (v.30). All the people were also ‘weeping as they went up’ (v.30). Indeed, ‘The whole countryside wept aloud’ (v.23).
Disappointment
Not only did David’s own son turn against him, but Mephibosheth was also disloyal to him even though David had gone out of his way to help him. He stayed in Jerusalem because he thought ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back my grandfather’s kingdom’ (16:3). Disloyalty is always so disappointing.
Criticism
Shimei shouted insults, threw rocks and cursed David. David does not seek revenge. Rather, he chooses to leave the matter in God’s hands (vv.11–12).
Exhaustion
David ‘and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted’ (2 Samuel 16:14). We often say that we are ‘exhausted’. However, we probably don’t know the meaning of the word. When we read of what David went through it is not surprising that he was genuinely ‘exhausted’.
The Christian life is never without troubles, tears, sadness and disappointments. However, what distinguishes the people of God is their relationship with God.
In the midst of all his troubles, David prays, ‘O Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness’ (15:31). His prayer is answered – but not in the way he expects. Ahithophel gives good advice, but it is rejected. So God answered the spirit of the prayer (see 2 Samuel 17:14).
In the midst of his exhaustion, David ‘refreshed himself’ (16:14). As The Message puts it: ‘There they rested and were revived’ (v.14). Sometimes you just need to take a break and rest to be revived and refreshed physically, spiritually and emotionally. We are not told how David did this exactly. However, if the psalms are anything to go by, we know it was through his close relationship with God that he found refreshment.
No doubt David was emotionally refreshed by the loyalty of his friends Zadok (15:24 onwards), Hushai (v.37), Ziba (16:1–4) and Ittai, who said to him, ‘Wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be’ (15:21).
Lord, thank you that there is no trouble that this life can bring from which you do not rescue me, ultimately with eternal life in your presence. Thank you that, in the middle of my troubles, I can pray to you and be refreshed by the presence of God (Act 3:19)."
1. Thank You for the eternal life and Your promises. May I always look forward to this and not be discouraged while I am here.
2. You have indeed talked to me tonight, O God. Straight to the heart. Please work within me.
3. Thank You for the fellowship and for the church friends.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Delegation is the Key
"Acts 6:1-7:19
Rescued from all his troubles
There is sometimes a temptation to idealise the life of the early church – as if they were the perfect church and had no problems at all. We need to read the idyllic picture of the church in Acts 2 alongside the events of Acts 6 and, of course, not forget all the troubles of Paul in his letters. In this passage we see that the early church had plenty of troubles:
Complaining within the church
Good leaders pick their battles carefully. They do not get involved in everything, but they do take responsibility for everything. The apostles faced a justified complaint that ‘widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food’ (v.1). Yet they needed to concentrate on their main task: ‘prayer and the ministry of the word’ (v.4). The solution lay (as it does so often) in effective delegation.
The apostles dealt with the issue by setting aside a group of people who would ‘wait on tables’ (v.2). They chose people ‘full of the Spirit and wisdom’ (v.3). As a result they kept their focus and ‘the word of God spread’ and the number of disciples increased dramatically (v.7). Good leaders delegate and release others into their God-given gifts and ministries.
Stirring among the people
A group of opponents of the church ‘stirred up the people’ (v.12) and ‘produced false witnesses’ (v.13). They twisted Stephen’s words and said, ‘This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law’ (vv.13).
Fear of change
Some of the opposition came from a fear of change. They said, ‘We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us’ (v.14).
They found they could not keep their eyes off Stephen, whose ‘face was like the face of an angel’ (v.15). He gave his defense. He recited the history of the people of God and cited the parts of history that were particularly relevant to his own situation. He said of Joseph, ‘God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom …’ (7:9–10), just as God was clearly giving Stephen wisdom (see 6:10).
Stephen’s own rescue came only in martyrdom. He ‘saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God’ (7:55), and Stephen was rescued for all eternity.
Thank you, Lord, for your word. Thank you that it warns us to expect complaining, opposition and fear of change. Help us not to be put off by the troubles but rather, like Stephen, to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit. May we see the word of God spread and the numbers of your followers increase more and more each day."
1. Thank You for the encouragement. May I have an open mind to changes.
2. Thank You that You still show balance in life.
3. Thank You for the inasal taste. Not bad.
Rescued from all his troubles
There is sometimes a temptation to idealise the life of the early church – as if they were the perfect church and had no problems at all. We need to read the idyllic picture of the church in Acts 2 alongside the events of Acts 6 and, of course, not forget all the troubles of Paul in his letters. In this passage we see that the early church had plenty of troubles:
Complaining within the church
Good leaders pick their battles carefully. They do not get involved in everything, but they do take responsibility for everything. The apostles faced a justified complaint that ‘widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food’ (v.1). Yet they needed to concentrate on their main task: ‘prayer and the ministry of the word’ (v.4). The solution lay (as it does so often) in effective delegation.
The apostles dealt with the issue by setting aside a group of people who would ‘wait on tables’ (v.2). They chose people ‘full of the Spirit and wisdom’ (v.3). As a result they kept their focus and ‘the word of God spread’ and the number of disciples increased dramatically (v.7). Good leaders delegate and release others into their God-given gifts and ministries.
Stirring among the people
A group of opponents of the church ‘stirred up the people’ (v.12) and ‘produced false witnesses’ (v.13). They twisted Stephen’s words and said, ‘This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law’ (vv.13).
Fear of change
Some of the opposition came from a fear of change. They said, ‘We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us’ (v.14).
They found they could not keep their eyes off Stephen, whose ‘face was like the face of an angel’ (v.15). He gave his defense. He recited the history of the people of God and cited the parts of history that were particularly relevant to his own situation. He said of Joseph, ‘God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom …’ (7:9–10), just as God was clearly giving Stephen wisdom (see 6:10).
Stephen’s own rescue came only in martyrdom. He ‘saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God’ (7:55), and Stephen was rescued for all eternity.
Thank you, Lord, for your word. Thank you that it warns us to expect complaining, opposition and fear of change. Help us not to be put off by the troubles but rather, like Stephen, to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit. May we see the word of God spread and the numbers of your followers increase more and more each day."
1. Thank You for the encouragement. May I have an open mind to changes.
2. Thank You that You still show balance in life.
3. Thank You for the inasal taste. Not bad.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Troubles Do Not Have the Last Word
"George Matheson was born in Glasgow, the eldest of eight children. He had only partial vision as a boy. By the age of twenty he was completely blind. When his fiancée learnt he was going blind and that there was nothing the doctors could do, she told him she could not go through life with a blind man. He never married.
He was helped by a devoted sister throughout his ministry. She learnt Greek, Latin and Hebrew in order to aid him in his studies. Despite his blindness, Matheson had a brilliant career at the Glasgow Academy, University of Glasgow and the Church of Scotland Seminary.
When he was forty years old, something bittersweet happened. His sister married. Not only did this mean that he lost her companionship – it also brought a fresh reminder of his own heartbreak. In the midst of this intense sadness, on the eve of his sister’s marriage, he wrote one of the most popular and best loved hymns of the Christian church – ‘O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go’. He completed the whole work in five minutes and never edited, corrected or retouched it. ‘This came,’ he wrote, ‘like a dayspring from on high.’
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
Troubles are part of life. Jesus faced trouble and so did the apostles, David and all the people of God. In each of the passages for today we read about lots of troubles. However, as Matheson’s hymn beautifully articulates, troubles do not have the last word.
Psalm 71:19-24
Restored after many troubles
God does not promise you an easy path. Life at times can be extremely hard. The psalmist has seen ‘troubles, many and bitter’ (v.20). His troubles, pressures and worries were not occasional or trivial. They were numerous and serious. He gives you a model of how to respond in these circumstances.
Keep trusting
It is easy to trust God when things are going well. The challenge is to keep trusting in the midst of troubles. The psalmist does not stop believing in the goodness of God: ‘Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?’ (v.19).
Keep hoping
Your troubles will not last forever. In the midst of his troubles, the psalmist has hope that at the end, ‘You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honour and comfort me once again’ (vv.20b–21).
Keep worshipping
Keep on praising God in spite of the troubles: ‘I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I, whom you have redeemed’ (vv.22–23).
Lord, there is no one like you. Your righteousness reaches to the skies. You have done great things. Thank you that though I may see troubles many and bitter, you promise to restore my life again. I praise you for your faithfulness. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – ‘I, whom you have redeemed.’"
1. Thank You for life. Thank You. May I always praise You regardless of my situation.
2. Thank You for giving me a bigger responsibility at work. May You guide me as I take this task.
3. Thank You for simple joys, for simple meals, for just simple things.
He was helped by a devoted sister throughout his ministry. She learnt Greek, Latin and Hebrew in order to aid him in his studies. Despite his blindness, Matheson had a brilliant career at the Glasgow Academy, University of Glasgow and the Church of Scotland Seminary.
When he was forty years old, something bittersweet happened. His sister married. Not only did this mean that he lost her companionship – it also brought a fresh reminder of his own heartbreak. In the midst of this intense sadness, on the eve of his sister’s marriage, he wrote one of the most popular and best loved hymns of the Christian church – ‘O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go’. He completed the whole work in five minutes and never edited, corrected or retouched it. ‘This came,’ he wrote, ‘like a dayspring from on high.’
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.
Troubles are part of life. Jesus faced trouble and so did the apostles, David and all the people of God. In each of the passages for today we read about lots of troubles. However, as Matheson’s hymn beautifully articulates, troubles do not have the last word.
Psalm 71:19-24
Restored after many troubles
God does not promise you an easy path. Life at times can be extremely hard. The psalmist has seen ‘troubles, many and bitter’ (v.20). His troubles, pressures and worries were not occasional or trivial. They were numerous and serious. He gives you a model of how to respond in these circumstances.
Keep trusting
It is easy to trust God when things are going well. The challenge is to keep trusting in the midst of troubles. The psalmist does not stop believing in the goodness of God: ‘Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?’ (v.19).
Keep hoping
Your troubles will not last forever. In the midst of his troubles, the psalmist has hope that at the end, ‘You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honour and comfort me once again’ (vv.20b–21).
Keep worshipping
Keep on praising God in spite of the troubles: ‘I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I, whom you have redeemed’ (vv.22–23).
Lord, there is no one like you. Your righteousness reaches to the skies. You have done great things. Thank you that though I may see troubles many and bitter, you promise to restore my life again. I praise you for your faithfulness. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – ‘I, whom you have redeemed.’"
1. Thank You for life. Thank You. May I always praise You regardless of my situation.
2. Thank You for giving me a bigger responsibility at work. May You guide me as I take this task.
3. Thank You for simple joys, for simple meals, for just simple things.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
What It Means to be Disloyal
"Acts 5:12-42
Loyalty to each other in our hearts
Loyalty is such an attractive characteristic in a person. Disloyalty is subversive and betrays trust. Disloyalty can undermine the leadership in a church, business or even a nation.
In David’s case, disloyalty came from his own son. This must have been so painful for him. David loved Absalom; ‘the king’s heart longed for Absalom’ (14:1). God speaks to David through the wise woman from Tekoa. As a result David says, ‘Go, bring back the young man Absalom’ (v.21). When he returned ‘the king kissed Absalom’ (v.33). David gave him another opportunity to be a loyal son.
Tragically, David’s love and loyalty to Absalom were not returned. We see here a powerful description of how disloyalty works.
There are always opportunities for disloyalty. In any situation – whether for example in the government, workplace or the church – there are bound to be those who complain (15:2). If you are a loyal person you will help to deal with these complaints and attempt to diffuse them.
Absalom failed the loyalty test. He would say to the complainers,
‘ “Look, you’ve got a strong case; but the king isn’t going to listen to you.” Then he’d say, “Why doesn’t someone make me a judge for this country? Anybody with a case could bring it to me and I’d settle things fair and square.” ’ (vv.3–4, MSG).
Of course, this is absolute nonsense. But it is easy to make promises of this kind. The disloyal person says, ‘If only I were in charge everything would be so much better’. In this way Absalom ‘stole the hearts of the people of Israel’ (v.6). Disloyalty begins in our hearts and in our thinking. So does loyalty. Guard your heart and your thinking and do not allow your heart to be stolen.
Those who are feeling discontented in any situation always look for a rallying point. They look for someone among the leadership team whom they can rally around. If the entire leadership team remains faithful, the discontents will be unsuccessful. However, here they found a rallying point around Absalom and ‘the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing’ (v.12).
Lord, help us to stay loyal to our leaders – to our national leaders and governments, parents, church leaders and bosses. Lord, guard our hearts, keep us loyal to you and to one another. May loyalty, love and faithfulness always be characteristics of our community."
1. Thank You for Your corrections especially in the way we think and act. Thank You for Your unending grace.
2. Thank You likewise for continuous journey of food discovery and exploration.
3. Thank You for showering me with understanding and patience in everything. May You continue to bless me with these as I need them in my daily life.
Loyalty to each other in our hearts
Loyalty is such an attractive characteristic in a person. Disloyalty is subversive and betrays trust. Disloyalty can undermine the leadership in a church, business or even a nation.
In David’s case, disloyalty came from his own son. This must have been so painful for him. David loved Absalom; ‘the king’s heart longed for Absalom’ (14:1). God speaks to David through the wise woman from Tekoa. As a result David says, ‘Go, bring back the young man Absalom’ (v.21). When he returned ‘the king kissed Absalom’ (v.33). David gave him another opportunity to be a loyal son.
Tragically, David’s love and loyalty to Absalom were not returned. We see here a powerful description of how disloyalty works.
There are always opportunities for disloyalty. In any situation – whether for example in the government, workplace or the church – there are bound to be those who complain (15:2). If you are a loyal person you will help to deal with these complaints and attempt to diffuse them.
Absalom failed the loyalty test. He would say to the complainers,
‘ “Look, you’ve got a strong case; but the king isn’t going to listen to you.” Then he’d say, “Why doesn’t someone make me a judge for this country? Anybody with a case could bring it to me and I’d settle things fair and square.” ’ (vv.3–4, MSG).
Of course, this is absolute nonsense. But it is easy to make promises of this kind. The disloyal person says, ‘If only I were in charge everything would be so much better’. In this way Absalom ‘stole the hearts of the people of Israel’ (v.6). Disloyalty begins in our hearts and in our thinking. So does loyalty. Guard your heart and your thinking and do not allow your heart to be stolen.
Those who are feeling discontented in any situation always look for a rallying point. They look for someone among the leadership team whom they can rally around. If the entire leadership team remains faithful, the discontents will be unsuccessful. However, here they found a rallying point around Absalom and ‘the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing’ (v.12).
Lord, help us to stay loyal to our leaders – to our national leaders and governments, parents, church leaders and bosses. Lord, guard our hearts, keep us loyal to you and to one another. May loyalty, love and faithfulness always be characteristics of our community."
1. Thank You for Your corrections especially in the way we think and act. Thank You for Your unending grace.
2. Thank You likewise for continuous journey of food discovery and exploration.
3. Thank You for showering me with understanding and patience in everything. May You continue to bless me with these as I need them in my daily life.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Loyalty Regardless of Opposition
"Acts 5:12-42
Loyalty to Jesus in our words
In 2007, a group of twenty-three South Korean missionaries were captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. They were terrified. The Taliban separated the group, isolated them and confiscated their possessions. One of the Korean women managed to hold on to her Bible. She ripped it into twenty-three pieces and secretly gave each of them a portion so that wherever they were, each person could read a part of Scripture when no one was watching.
The group knew that the Taliban had decided to kill them, one at a time. One by one the missionaries surrendered their lives again to Jesus saying, ‘Lord, if you want me to die for your sake I’ll do it.’ Then the pastor said, ‘I’ve talked to [the Taliban] because they are going to start killing us and I’ve told their leaders that if anyone dies, I die first because I am your pastor.’ Another said, ‘No, because I also am a pastor and I am your elder. I die first.’
Then the pastor came back and said, ‘You are not ordained, I have been ordained, I die first.’ And sure enough, he died first. Two more were killed before the rest were eventually rescued. They had demonstrated extraordinary loyalty to God and to each other.
The South Korean missionaries were following in the footsteps of the apostles who showed extraordinary loyalty.
As the apostles went out and preached the good news they performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. ‘More and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number’ (v.14). As a result, ‘Crowds gathered … bringing their sick … all of them were healed’ (vv.15–16).
Sadly, their success led to ‘jealousy’ from religious leaders (v.17). Once again we see how envy is such a temptation for those of us who are seen as religious. In their jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in jail (v.18). But once again God performed a miracle. He sent an angel of the Lord to open the doors of the jail and bring them out.
With huge courage they obeyed the command to ‘Go, stand in the temple courts … and tell the people the full message of this new life’ (v.20).
When they were caught doing exactly what they had been arrested for doing in the first place, they were re-arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest who said to them, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name … Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood’ (v.28).
Peter and the other apostles were loyal to God and to their calling. They replied, ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’ (v.29). They continued preaching the gospel – even when they were on trial.
The brief sermon (it takes only three verses – vv.30–32) is all about Jesus. They preach about the cross, resurrection and the exaltation of Jesus. They proclaimed Jesus as Prince and Saviour. The talk includes a description of the way of salvation: repentance and forgiveness of sins. In addition they managed to include the whole Trinity: ‘The God of our ancestors (v.30), ‘Jesus’ (v.30) and ‘the Holy Spirit’ (v.32). This sermon produces such fury that, like the South Korean missionaries, they faced the threat of death.
However, in the providence of God, there was a wise man on the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who pointed out to his fellow members (by giving examples from recent history) that ‘if [the apostles’] purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God’ (vv.38–39).
Although his speech persuaded them, nevertheless they were flogged and ‘ordered … not to speak in the name of Jesus’ (v.40).
Once again, with extraordinary courage and loyalty to God and their calling, ‘The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ’ (vv.41–42).
Lord, may we be inspired by the example of the apostles and those like the South Korean missionaries who followed in their footsteps. Help us to demonstrate loyalty to you regardless of the circumstances and opposition around us. May we never stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
1. Wow, thank You for stories like these that really show what it means to be loyal to You.
2. As some people leave, You bring back old friends. Thank You for this.
3. Thank You for giving me an outlet.
Loyalty to Jesus in our words
In 2007, a group of twenty-three South Korean missionaries were captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. They were terrified. The Taliban separated the group, isolated them and confiscated their possessions. One of the Korean women managed to hold on to her Bible. She ripped it into twenty-three pieces and secretly gave each of them a portion so that wherever they were, each person could read a part of Scripture when no one was watching.
The group knew that the Taliban had decided to kill them, one at a time. One by one the missionaries surrendered their lives again to Jesus saying, ‘Lord, if you want me to die for your sake I’ll do it.’ Then the pastor said, ‘I’ve talked to [the Taliban] because they are going to start killing us and I’ve told their leaders that if anyone dies, I die first because I am your pastor.’ Another said, ‘No, because I also am a pastor and I am your elder. I die first.’
Then the pastor came back and said, ‘You are not ordained, I have been ordained, I die first.’ And sure enough, he died first. Two more were killed before the rest were eventually rescued. They had demonstrated extraordinary loyalty to God and to each other.
The South Korean missionaries were following in the footsteps of the apostles who showed extraordinary loyalty.
As the apostles went out and preached the good news they performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. ‘More and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number’ (v.14). As a result, ‘Crowds gathered … bringing their sick … all of them were healed’ (vv.15–16).
Sadly, their success led to ‘jealousy’ from religious leaders (v.17). Once again we see how envy is such a temptation for those of us who are seen as religious. In their jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in jail (v.18). But once again God performed a miracle. He sent an angel of the Lord to open the doors of the jail and bring them out.
With huge courage they obeyed the command to ‘Go, stand in the temple courts … and tell the people the full message of this new life’ (v.20).
When they were caught doing exactly what they had been arrested for doing in the first place, they were re-arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest who said to them, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name … Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood’ (v.28).
Peter and the other apostles were loyal to God and to their calling. They replied, ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’ (v.29). They continued preaching the gospel – even when they were on trial.
The brief sermon (it takes only three verses – vv.30–32) is all about Jesus. They preach about the cross, resurrection and the exaltation of Jesus. They proclaimed Jesus as Prince and Saviour. The talk includes a description of the way of salvation: repentance and forgiveness of sins. In addition they managed to include the whole Trinity: ‘The God of our ancestors (v.30), ‘Jesus’ (v.30) and ‘the Holy Spirit’ (v.32). This sermon produces such fury that, like the South Korean missionaries, they faced the threat of death.
However, in the providence of God, there was a wise man on the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who pointed out to his fellow members (by giving examples from recent history) that ‘if [the apostles’] purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God’ (vv.38–39).
Although his speech persuaded them, nevertheless they were flogged and ‘ordered … not to speak in the name of Jesus’ (v.40).
Once again, with extraordinary courage and loyalty to God and their calling, ‘The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ’ (vv.41–42).
Lord, may we be inspired by the example of the apostles and those like the South Korean missionaries who followed in their footsteps. Help us to demonstrate loyalty to you regardless of the circumstances and opposition around us. May we never stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."
1. Wow, thank You for stories like these that really show what it means to be loyal to You.
2. As some people leave, You bring back old friends. Thank You for this.
3. Thank You for giving me an outlet.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Example of Loyalty
"About five weeks ago a twenty-seven year old pregnant woman was sentenced to death by a Sudanese court for refusing to recant her Christian faith. The court also convicted her of adultery and sentenced her to one hundred lashes because her marriage to a Christian man is considered void under sharia law. Meriam Yaha Ibrahim Ishag, who was brought up as a Christian by her mother after her Muslim father had left the home, told the court:
‘I am a Christian and I will remain a Christian.’
She has since given birth to a baby girl and is allowed to care for her for two years before the sentence is implemented. Meriam’s husband is in a wheelchair and is dependent on her. He says that all he can do is pray. Although there has been an international outcry over the situation, Meriam remains shackled in prison along with her new baby and her twenty-one month old son (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27646747).
This brave Christian couple are showing extraordinary loyalty to God and to one another in the face of the kind of threat that we read the early Christians faced for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Loyalty is a combination of love and faithfulness. It is a quality often lacking in our society today. Disloyalty destroys families, churches, businesses, political parties and even nations. Each of the passages today says something about this quality of loyalty.
Proverbs 14:15-24
Loyalty to God in our plans
The book of Proverbs is full of practical wisdom. It encourages us, for example, to be discerning about what we believe: ‘The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word’ (v.15, MSG). Ultimately wisdom is about how we relate to God: ‘The wise fear the Lord and shun evil’ (v.16).
‘Fear of the Lord’ is an attitude of healthy respect and loyalty. It means involving him in all our plans. We need to be very careful about the plans we make – that they are for good and not for evil. Eventually, even ‘the wicked will respect God-loyal people’ (v.19, MSG).
‘But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness’ (v.22b). The word for ‘find’ is sometimes translated ‘show’. Both are true. Those who plan what is good not only find love and faithfulness, they show love and faithfulness as well. This is at the heart of loyalty – to show love and faithfulness. This is contrasted with those who selfishly plot evil and go astray.
Lord, help me to be wise and God-loyal in my plans. Show me good plans and more ways to be kind to the needy. May we, as a community of God-loyal people, plan what is good and find love and faithfulness."
1. Thank You for this great example of loyalty. May I display the same kind when faced with trials.
2. Thank You for a patient, lovely, and appreciative sign language teacher.
3. New experiences arise daily. Thank You, Lord, for a very dynamic life. And a rainy, soaky night so I can finally wash my shoes after a really long time. :D
‘I am a Christian and I will remain a Christian.’
She has since given birth to a baby girl and is allowed to care for her for two years before the sentence is implemented. Meriam’s husband is in a wheelchair and is dependent on her. He says that all he can do is pray. Although there has been an international outcry over the situation, Meriam remains shackled in prison along with her new baby and her twenty-one month old son (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27646747).
This brave Christian couple are showing extraordinary loyalty to God and to one another in the face of the kind of threat that we read the early Christians faced for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Loyalty is a combination of love and faithfulness. It is a quality often lacking in our society today. Disloyalty destroys families, churches, businesses, political parties and even nations. Each of the passages today says something about this quality of loyalty.
Proverbs 14:15-24
Loyalty to God in our plans
The book of Proverbs is full of practical wisdom. It encourages us, for example, to be discerning about what we believe: ‘The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word’ (v.15, MSG). Ultimately wisdom is about how we relate to God: ‘The wise fear the Lord and shun evil’ (v.16).
‘Fear of the Lord’ is an attitude of healthy respect and loyalty. It means involving him in all our plans. We need to be very careful about the plans we make – that they are for good and not for evil. Eventually, even ‘the wicked will respect God-loyal people’ (v.19, MSG).
‘But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness’ (v.22b). The word for ‘find’ is sometimes translated ‘show’. Both are true. Those who plan what is good not only find love and faithfulness, they show love and faithfulness as well. This is at the heart of loyalty – to show love and faithfulness. This is contrasted with those who selfishly plot evil and go astray.
Lord, help me to be wise and God-loyal in my plans. Show me good plans and more ways to be kind to the needy. May we, as a community of God-loyal people, plan what is good and find love and faithfulness."
1. Thank You for this great example of loyalty. May I display the same kind when faced with trials.
2. Thank You for a patient, lovely, and appreciative sign language teacher.
3. New experiences arise daily. Thank You, Lord, for a very dynamic life. And a rainy, soaky night so I can finally wash my shoes after a really long time. :D
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Emotion of Love
"Acts 4:23-5:11
Emotion of love vs emotion of hate
In this passage we see strongly contrasting emotions. Amnon ‘fell in love with Tamar’ (v.1). He says, ‘I’m in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister’ (v.4). David had many wives and many children. The boys would probably have been separated from the girls after the age of five or six; there would not have been a sense of belonging together that exists in a normal family today.
Amnon plots to rape Tamar, who pleads with him. She even offers to marry him (v.13). The law forbade marriage to a half-sister. Possibly, this was not being practised at the time. More likely, Tamar was clutching at straws. Amnon ‘refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her’ (v.14).
The Bible does not ignore the issue of sexual abuse. Rape has always been, and still is, a horrific crime. Tamar describes it as ‘wicked’ (v.12). It is an act of a ‘wicked fool’ (v.13). It leads to ‘desolation’ (v.20) and it is a ‘disgraceful’ (v.21) act.
We see a glimpse of the terrible damage sexual abuse does to the victim: ‘Tamar poured ashes on her head, then she ripped the long-sleeved gown, held her head in her hands, and walked away, sobbing as she went’ (v.19, MSG). She became ‘bitter and desolate’ (v.20, MSG).
Instantly, it appears, ‘Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her’ (v.15). This led to further tragedy for David and his household. The violence is perpetuated – Amnon is killed and Absalom flees, separating him from David (vv.23–39).
Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Amnon was ‘infatuated’ with Tamar. He may have been ‘in love’ with her, but he certainly did not love her. It is extraordinary, though true to fallen human nature and experience, that infatuation can quickly turn to hatred. Amnon’s love was certainly not like the true love described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13.
Lord, deliver us from hatred. May we be filled, not by a superficial love, but by a love that is the fruit of the Holy Spirit."
1. Thank You for always showing how to truly love someone. I ask that You always have it in my heart to decide to love other people.
2. I think teaching could be Your gift to me. Thank You. Along with this is the patience I need to do it. Thank You so much.
3. Glory to You that somebody has been impacted with my words and my life. May You continue to use me as Your instrument. Amen.
Emotion of love vs emotion of hate
In this passage we see strongly contrasting emotions. Amnon ‘fell in love with Tamar’ (v.1). He says, ‘I’m in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister’ (v.4). David had many wives and many children. The boys would probably have been separated from the girls after the age of five or six; there would not have been a sense of belonging together that exists in a normal family today.
Amnon plots to rape Tamar, who pleads with him. She even offers to marry him (v.13). The law forbade marriage to a half-sister. Possibly, this was not being practised at the time. More likely, Tamar was clutching at straws. Amnon ‘refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her’ (v.14).
The Bible does not ignore the issue of sexual abuse. Rape has always been, and still is, a horrific crime. Tamar describes it as ‘wicked’ (v.12). It is an act of a ‘wicked fool’ (v.13). It leads to ‘desolation’ (v.20) and it is a ‘disgraceful’ (v.21) act.
We see a glimpse of the terrible damage sexual abuse does to the victim: ‘Tamar poured ashes on her head, then she ripped the long-sleeved gown, held her head in her hands, and walked away, sobbing as she went’ (v.19, MSG). She became ‘bitter and desolate’ (v.20, MSG).
Instantly, it appears, ‘Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her’ (v.15). This led to further tragedy for David and his household. The violence is perpetuated – Amnon is killed and Absalom flees, separating him from David (vv.23–39).
Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Amnon was ‘infatuated’ with Tamar. He may have been ‘in love’ with her, but he certainly did not love her. It is extraordinary, though true to fallen human nature and experience, that infatuation can quickly turn to hatred. Amnon’s love was certainly not like the true love described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13.
Lord, deliver us from hatred. May we be filled, not by a superficial love, but by a love that is the fruit of the Holy Spirit."
1. Thank You for always showing how to truly love someone. I ask that You always have it in my heart to decide to love other people.
2. I think teaching could be Your gift to me. Thank You. Along with this is the patience I need to do it. Thank You so much.
3. Glory to You that somebody has been impacted with my words and my life. May You continue to use me as Your instrument. Amen.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Results of Holy Spirit
"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.
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.
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.
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