"John Newton, whose life we looked at yesterday, mentored a man called William Cowper (1731–1800). Cowper had experienced tragedy. His mother died when he was six. His father died while Cowper was still young. He was educated at Westminster School and qualified as a barrister. Outwardly he was successful. However, he suffered from serious depression. When applying for an administrative post in the House of Lords that entailed a formal examination, he was so disturbed by the prospect of the exam that he attempted suicide. For the rest of his life he suffered from mental illness and was sometimes confined to asylums.
When he was in his thirties, Cowper came under the care of John Newton. Newton encouraged Cowper to begin composing hymns. He wrote powerfully of the joys and sorrows of everyday life. In 1774 he suffered such a severe episode of mental illness that he was prevented from entering into his intended marriage to Mary Unwin. He was crestfallen. Shortly afterwards, in perhaps his most famous hymn, he wrote:
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
God is good. God is love. God loves you. God has revealed himself supremely in Jesus. All this we know. Then you read passages in the Bible that don’t seem to fit with your understanding of God. You have experiences in life that don’t seem to fit either.
You cannot put God in a box. He is far greater than you could ever conceive. Some passages in the Bible are mysterious. Jesus said on one occasion, ‘You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand’ (John 13:7). Sometimes that understanding may come in our lifetime. Some things we will only understand when we meet the Lord.
How should you respond to the mysterious ways of God?
Psalm 74:1-9
Be honest with God
There are sometimes occasions in life when we feel that God has rejected us. This experience is also common in the history of the people of God. This psalm opens with this question: ‘Why have you rejected us forever, O God?’ (v.1).
Sometimes it may seem as if God is silent and not intervening to help you in any way. As the psalmist says, ‘There’s not a sign or symbol of God in sight, nor anyone to speak in his name, no one who knows what’s going on’ (v.9, MSG).
When you go through times like this, you never know ‘how long’ this will be (v.9). You might have questions about why a part of your life is working out as it is. Or perhaps you just feel that God is distant. St John of the Cross referred to these times as ‘the dark night of the soul’.
What should you do in times like this?
Ask the questions
The psalmist does not beat around the bush. He pours out his heart to God. He asks God the difficult questions. ‘You walked off and left us, and never looked back. God, how could you do that? We’re your very own sheep; how can you stomp off in anger?’ (v.1, MSG).
Ask for answers
‘Refresh your memory of us ... you actually lived here once! Come and visit the site of disaster ...’ (vv.2–3, MSG).
You are not alone when you have these kinds of experiences and emotions. One of the great blessings of the psalms is that you can turn to them in times of mysterious suffering and echo these prayers in your heart.
Lord, thank you that I can be honest with you when I pray and pour out my heart to you. Thank you that I am not alone when I experience the dark night of the soul within, or external problems and struggles. Thank you that at times like these I can echo the prayers of the psalmist."
1. Thank You Lord that I can directly talk to You and pour my heart out to You.
2. Thank You for keeping us safe in our daily travels.
3. Thank You for the existence of Lam Cafe, really. :D
Thursday, October 08, 2015
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
In the midst of Difficulty
"2 Samuel 22:1-23:7
Rescued from deep waters
As David comes to the end of his life, he praises God for rescuing him again and again from his enemies and from death and destruction (chapter 22 – the song is also found in Psalm 18). God is his ‘rescuing knight’ (v.2, MSG).
‘A hostile world! I called to God,
to my God I cried out.
From his palace he heard me call;
my cry brought me right into his presence –
a private audience!’ (v.7, MSG).
Many times he called out to the Lord, and the Lord heard his voice. ‘He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters’ (v.17). ‘He rescued me from my powerful enemy …’ (v.18). ‘He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me’ (v.20). (See also v.49).
When God rescues you, he does not want you to stay as you are. ‘When I cleaned up my act, he gave me a fresh start ... God rewrote the text of my life’ (vv.21,25, MSG). He wants you to lead a blameless life and to keep yourself from sin (v.24). He wants you to be ‘faithful’ (v.26), pure (v.27) and humble (v.28).
With God’s help, you can ‘advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall’ (v.30). God arms you with strength (v.33) and enables you to stand on the heights (v.34). He broadens the path beneath you so that your ankles do not turn over (v.37).
Joyce Meyer writes, ‘By faith you can receive strength to stay in a difficult marriage, raise a difficult child, or stick with a difficult job in which you have a difficult boss. You can receive strength to do great things even though you may have a physical impairment yourself.’
David, in the evening of his life, summed up his experience of God and of life (chapter 23). God had rescued him. God had anointed him (23:1): ‘The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue’ (v.2).
David had a sense of the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’. God had rescued him and saved him. Yet, there was more to come: ‘Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?’ (v.5). God’s rescue plan of salvation will one day be brought to fruition. On that day the rescue will be complete.
Lord, thank you that you have rescued us from all our enemies – from guilt, sin, addiction and death – through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you that one day the rescue will be complete, when Jesus returns and we will be with him forever."
1. Thank You for defining the meaning of forever.
2. Thank You for difficult situations so that I may receive strength from You.
3. Thank You for Your guidance always.
Rescued from deep waters
As David comes to the end of his life, he praises God for rescuing him again and again from his enemies and from death and destruction (chapter 22 – the song is also found in Psalm 18). God is his ‘rescuing knight’ (v.2, MSG).
‘A hostile world! I called to God,
to my God I cried out.
From his palace he heard me call;
my cry brought me right into his presence –
a private audience!’ (v.7, MSG).
Many times he called out to the Lord, and the Lord heard his voice. ‘He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters’ (v.17). ‘He rescued me from my powerful enemy …’ (v.18). ‘He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me’ (v.20). (See also v.49).
When God rescues you, he does not want you to stay as you are. ‘When I cleaned up my act, he gave me a fresh start ... God rewrote the text of my life’ (vv.21,25, MSG). He wants you to lead a blameless life and to keep yourself from sin (v.24). He wants you to be ‘faithful’ (v.26), pure (v.27) and humble (v.28).
With God’s help, you can ‘advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall’ (v.30). God arms you with strength (v.33) and enables you to stand on the heights (v.34). He broadens the path beneath you so that your ankles do not turn over (v.37).
Joyce Meyer writes, ‘By faith you can receive strength to stay in a difficult marriage, raise a difficult child, or stick with a difficult job in which you have a difficult boss. You can receive strength to do great things even though you may have a physical impairment yourself.’
David, in the evening of his life, summed up his experience of God and of life (chapter 23). God had rescued him. God had anointed him (23:1): ‘The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue’ (v.2).
David had a sense of the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’. God had rescued him and saved him. Yet, there was more to come: ‘Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?’ (v.5). God’s rescue plan of salvation will one day be brought to fruition. On that day the rescue will be complete.
Lord, thank you that you have rescued us from all our enemies – from guilt, sin, addiction and death – through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you that one day the rescue will be complete, when Jesus returns and we will be with him forever."
1. Thank You for defining the meaning of forever.
2. Thank You for difficult situations so that I may receive strength from You.
3. Thank You for Your guidance always.
Tuesday, October 06, 2015
Rescue from Darkness
"Acts 9:1-31
Rescued from darkness
Do you know anyone who is very antagonistic towards Christians and the Christian faith? Saul was like that. John Newton was like that. I was like that. When we read the account of Saul’s conversion it gives us hope that God can change the most unexpected people.
In this passage we see a double rescue. The church is rescued from the darkness brought about by Saul’s attacks, and Saul is rescued from his own inner darkness. God’s transforming power changed Paul from a persecutor of the church into one of its greatest advocates.
Saul had a privileged background. He was a Roman citizen from Tarsus. He was a highly educated intellectual. He was a qualified lawyer. He was a deeply ‘religious’ man with a strong belief in God.
Yet, Saul was living in darkness on a road that led to destruction. He was ‘out for the kill’ (v.1, MSG). He was trying to arrest Christians and put them in prison (v.2). He had a terrible reputation among the Christians because of ‘all the harm he [had] done to [them]’ (v.13) and the fact that he wreaked ‘havoc’ amongst followers of Jesus (v.21).
On the road to Damascus, Saul ‘was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light’ (v.3, MSG). Jesus appeared to him and said, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ (v.4). As Saul had never met him before, how could he be persecuting Jesus? In that moment, he must have realised that the church is Jesus. It is his body. In persecuting Christians, he was in fact persecuting Jesus. Later, he was to develop this understanding that the church is the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12–14).
Saul’s physical blindness symbolised the spiritual darkness in his life at that point. When Ananias laid hands on him, his sight was restored and he was filled with the Spirit (v.17): ‘Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again’ (v.18). He was rescued from physical and spiritual darkness.
Not only did Jesus rescue Saul from darkness, but he also appointed him as his ‘chosen instrument’. He said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel’ (v.15).
At once, Paul began to preach that Jesus is the Son of God (v.20). He grew ‘more and more powerful … proving that Jesus is the Christ’ (v.22). Like a lawyer, he produced the evidence to show that something had in fact happened in history. Jesus had been crucified, raised from the dead and is the Christ.
Through the rescue of Paul, the church was also rescued. ‘Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country – Judea, Samaria, Galilee – the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully’ (v.31, MSG). For a moment their battles were over, and a period of blessing began.
However, God did not promise Paul an easy life. With great privilege would come suffering, ‘for I will make it clear to him how much he will be afflicted and must endure and suffer for my name’s sake’ (v.16).
Lord, thank you that you have rescued me from the dominion of darkness and transferred me to the kingdom of your Son. Thank you that not only do you rescue me but you also fill me with your Spirit and appoint me to take the good news to others."
1. Thank You Lord for rescuing me from darkness.
2. Thank You for being able to deliver my first speech.
3. Thank You for the chance to try something new especially when it comes to dishes.
Rescued from darkness
Do you know anyone who is very antagonistic towards Christians and the Christian faith? Saul was like that. John Newton was like that. I was like that. When we read the account of Saul’s conversion it gives us hope that God can change the most unexpected people.
In this passage we see a double rescue. The church is rescued from the darkness brought about by Saul’s attacks, and Saul is rescued from his own inner darkness. God’s transforming power changed Paul from a persecutor of the church into one of its greatest advocates.
Saul had a privileged background. He was a Roman citizen from Tarsus. He was a highly educated intellectual. He was a qualified lawyer. He was a deeply ‘religious’ man with a strong belief in God.
Yet, Saul was living in darkness on a road that led to destruction. He was ‘out for the kill’ (v.1, MSG). He was trying to arrest Christians and put them in prison (v.2). He had a terrible reputation among the Christians because of ‘all the harm he [had] done to [them]’ (v.13) and the fact that he wreaked ‘havoc’ amongst followers of Jesus (v.21).
On the road to Damascus, Saul ‘was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light’ (v.3, MSG). Jesus appeared to him and said, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ (v.4). As Saul had never met him before, how could he be persecuting Jesus? In that moment, he must have realised that the church is Jesus. It is his body. In persecuting Christians, he was in fact persecuting Jesus. Later, he was to develop this understanding that the church is the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12–14).
Saul’s physical blindness symbolised the spiritual darkness in his life at that point. When Ananias laid hands on him, his sight was restored and he was filled with the Spirit (v.17): ‘Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again’ (v.18). He was rescued from physical and spiritual darkness.
Not only did Jesus rescue Saul from darkness, but he also appointed him as his ‘chosen instrument’. He said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel’ (v.15).
At once, Paul began to preach that Jesus is the Son of God (v.20). He grew ‘more and more powerful … proving that Jesus is the Christ’ (v.22). Like a lawyer, he produced the evidence to show that something had in fact happened in history. Jesus had been crucified, raised from the dead and is the Christ.
Through the rescue of Paul, the church was also rescued. ‘Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country – Judea, Samaria, Galilee – the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully’ (v.31, MSG). For a moment their battles were over, and a period of blessing began.
However, God did not promise Paul an easy life. With great privilege would come suffering, ‘for I will make it clear to him how much he will be afflicted and must endure and suffer for my name’s sake’ (v.16).
Lord, thank you that you have rescued me from the dominion of darkness and transferred me to the kingdom of your Son. Thank you that not only do you rescue me but you also fill me with your Spirit and appoint me to take the good news to others."
1. Thank You Lord for rescuing me from darkness.
2. Thank You for being able to deliver my first speech.
3. Thank You for the chance to try something new especially when it comes to dishes.
Monday, October 05, 2015
Amazing Grace
"John Newton (1725–1801) was a militant atheist, bully and blasphemer. He was a wild and angry young man. He was press-ganged into the Navy at the age of eighteen where he broke the rules so recklessly that he was publicly flogged for desertion. He was hated and feared by his crewmates and himself became a slave trader.
At the age of twenty-three Newton’s ship encountered a severe storm off the coast of Donegal and almost sank. He called out to God as the ship filled with water and on that day, 10 March 1748, God rescued him. He began a new life. He started to pray and read the Bible. Eventually he joined William Wilberforce in the campaign to abolish the slave trade and became a leading light in that campaign.
Newton is best known as the author of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now I’m found,
Was blind, but now I see.
To be rescued is to be saved, set free, delivered from danger, attack or harm. Jesus is the one who rescues us.
Psalm 73:15-28
Rescued from the slippery slope
Have you ever experienced the slippery slope of sin? You find yourself slipping further and further down a path that you do not really want to be on.
We saw two days ago how the psalmist found himself on the slippery slope of envy. ‘As for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked’ (73:2–3).
Your whole perspective changes when you enter ‘the sanctuary of God’ (v.17a). ‘Then, I understood their final destiny’ (v.17b). It is the arrogant and wicked who are on ‘slippery ground’ (v.18). Although they may seem outwardly successful and prosperous, they are on a road that leads to destruction (vv.19–20).
The psalmist realised that he was rescued from going down that same slippery path. He repented: ‘When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you’ (vv.21–22).
Although outwardly the ‘ungodly’ may be enviable, when you get a proper perspective, you realise how almost unbelievably blessed you are (vv.23–26).
There is nothing that compares to walking in a relationship with God, knowing his presence, his guidance and his strength, and his promise that he will take you into glory. You are far better off than the ‘ungodly’, both in this life and in the future.
When you see what you have been rescued from, you realise how good it is to be near God, and you want to pass the good news on to others:
‘But I’m in the very presence of God –
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
God, I’m telling the world what you do!’ (v.28, MSG).
Lord, please rescue me from the slippery slope. Thank you that there is nothing like the sense of your presence with me – you holding me with your right hand. Thank you that you promise to guide me with your counsel and afterwards take me into glory."
1. Thank You for Your unending guidance, may I always listen to You.
2. Thank You for opportunities of improvement and growth in terms of public speaking.
3. Thank You for the vibrant life after work.
At the age of twenty-three Newton’s ship encountered a severe storm off the coast of Donegal and almost sank. He called out to God as the ship filled with water and on that day, 10 March 1748, God rescued him. He began a new life. He started to pray and read the Bible. Eventually he joined William Wilberforce in the campaign to abolish the slave trade and became a leading light in that campaign.
Newton is best known as the author of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now I’m found,
Was blind, but now I see.
To be rescued is to be saved, set free, delivered from danger, attack or harm. Jesus is the one who rescues us.
Psalm 73:15-28
Rescued from the slippery slope
Have you ever experienced the slippery slope of sin? You find yourself slipping further and further down a path that you do not really want to be on.
We saw two days ago how the psalmist found himself on the slippery slope of envy. ‘As for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked’ (73:2–3).
Your whole perspective changes when you enter ‘the sanctuary of God’ (v.17a). ‘Then, I understood their final destiny’ (v.17b). It is the arrogant and wicked who are on ‘slippery ground’ (v.18). Although they may seem outwardly successful and prosperous, they are on a road that leads to destruction (vv.19–20).
The psalmist realised that he was rescued from going down that same slippery path. He repented: ‘When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you’ (vv.21–22).
Although outwardly the ‘ungodly’ may be enviable, when you get a proper perspective, you realise how almost unbelievably blessed you are (vv.23–26).
There is nothing that compares to walking in a relationship with God, knowing his presence, his guidance and his strength, and his promise that he will take you into glory. You are far better off than the ‘ungodly’, both in this life and in the future.
When you see what you have been rescued from, you realise how good it is to be near God, and you want to pass the good news on to others:
‘But I’m in the very presence of God –
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
God, I’m telling the world what you do!’ (v.28, MSG).
Lord, please rescue me from the slippery slope. Thank you that there is nothing like the sense of your presence with me – you holding me with your right hand. Thank you that you promise to guide me with your counsel and afterwards take me into glory."
1. Thank You for Your unending guidance, may I always listen to You.
2. Thank You for opportunities of improvement and growth in terms of public speaking.
3. Thank You for the vibrant life after work.
Sunday, October 04, 2015
Seeking the Face of the Lord
"2 Samuel 20:1-21:22
Passionate prayer
The battles in David’s life never seem to come to an end. In today’s passage we see two further battles.
First, there is ‘a troublemaker named Sheba’ (20:1). The people of Israel seem extremely fickle: ‘All the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba’ (v.2). The Lord gave David victory over Sheba but immediately there is another battle around the corner.
There was a famine for three consecutive years (21:1a). As the nation faced disaster, ‘David sought the face of the Lord’ (v.1b). Sometimes it takes a real disaster to get us on our knees. God spoke to him as he prayed.
He held Israel to the promise that was made to the Gibeonites (see Joshua 9). In spite of the promise, Saul had tried to annihilate them, but the oaths that are made to God are very important and cannot be broken lightly. (The most common oaths today are in the marriage service and oaths in court.) Only after David had put things right and honoured the oath made to God did God answer prayer on behalf of the land (2 Samuel 21:14).
Lord, we seek your face on behalf of our nation. Have mercy upon us. Help us to be a nation that honours you with faithfulness to our marriage vows and truthfulness in our law courts. Lord, would you once again answer prayer on behalf of the land. May our nation be turned back to you. May your name be honoured. May your kingdom come."
1. May Your Kingdom come. Indeed, thank You Lord for Your promises.
2. Thank You for new friendships and for by grace, You have allowed these new friends to join us in church.
3. Thank You for more bonding time and roaming around.
Passionate prayer
The battles in David’s life never seem to come to an end. In today’s passage we see two further battles.
First, there is ‘a troublemaker named Sheba’ (20:1). The people of Israel seem extremely fickle: ‘All the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba’ (v.2). The Lord gave David victory over Sheba but immediately there is another battle around the corner.
There was a famine for three consecutive years (21:1a). As the nation faced disaster, ‘David sought the face of the Lord’ (v.1b). Sometimes it takes a real disaster to get us on our knees. God spoke to him as he prayed.
He held Israel to the promise that was made to the Gibeonites (see Joshua 9). In spite of the promise, Saul had tried to annihilate them, but the oaths that are made to God are very important and cannot be broken lightly. (The most common oaths today are in the marriage service and oaths in court.) Only after David had put things right and honoured the oath made to God did God answer prayer on behalf of the land (2 Samuel 21:14).
Lord, we seek your face on behalf of our nation. Have mercy upon us. Help us to be a nation that honours you with faithfulness to our marriage vows and truthfulness in our law courts. Lord, would you once again answer prayer on behalf of the land. May our nation be turned back to you. May your name be honoured. May your kingdom come."
1. May Your Kingdom come. Indeed, thank You Lord for Your promises.
2. Thank You for new friendships and for by grace, You have allowed these new friends to join us in church.
3. Thank You for more bonding time and roaming around.
Saturday, October 03, 2015
Persecution, Prayer, and Power
"Acts 8:4-40
Powerful preaching
The early church was made up of ordinary people like you and me. Yet it changed the world. The whole known world was transformed following the death and resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts tells us how this happened.
Everywhere they went they preached the message about Jesus (v.4, MSG). In this passage we see that they preached to crowds and to individuals, like Simon the sorcerer and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Nations are comprised of cities, towns and villages. They preached the gospel in all three. Philip preached to a city in Samaria (v.5). Peter and John preached the gospel in many Samaritan villages (v.25). Philip preached the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (v.40).
Their preaching was accompanied – and indeed accelerated – by three factors:
Persecution
It began with persecution. ‘Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went’ (v.4). The dispersion brought great blessing. Everywhere they went they ‘proclaimed the Christ’ (v.5).
Again and again in the history of the church, persecution and opposition has led to unexpected fruitfulness. It is easy to lose heart when we experience setbacks, but this reminds us that God can use them in amazing ways.
Prayer
We see in this passage the importance of prayer. Peter and John prayed for the Samaritans that they might receive the Holy Spirit (vv.15–17).
Simon was a famous magician who dazzled everyone with his wizardry and had everyone eating out of his hand (vv.9–11, MSG). He himself believed and was baptised, but following his old ways he wanted to buy the Holy Spirit (v.19).
Peter was unimpressed, ‘To hell with your money! … Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust’ (vv.20–23, MSG).
Simon realised that only the Lord could save him and asked them to pray for him (v.24).
Power
The early church was characterised by enormous effectiveness: ‘When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed’ (vv.6–7).
They were totally reliant on the Holy Spirit. Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian was not the result of a strategic planning meeting. Rather, ‘the Spirit told Philip …’ (v.29). The result of him following the leading of the Holy Spirit was the remarkable conversion of the Ethiopian, which has affected the whole nation of Ethiopia right down to the present day. The church that was birthed that day has never died out in that nation.
The Holy Spirit is the agent of change. He can bring about change in a nation. That change starts with the change in the lives of people. It is worth noting the factors involved in the change in this Ethiopian.
First, the Spirit of God prepared his heart. The Ethiopian is honest about his ignorance (v.31), searching for answers (v.32) and not too proud to ask for help (v.34). There is no shame in not always understanding what we read in the Bible. It is wise to get help from trusted people or Bible commentaries to help us apply it to our lives.
Second, the Spirit of God is at work through the word of God. It is as the Ethiopian looks at the book of Isaiah that he begins to find answers (vv.32–33). Often, the Holy Spirit uses a human agent to help open up, explain, and apply the Scriptures. This is what happened here, beginning with Isaiah 53 Philip explains ‘the good news about Jesus’ (v.35).
The Holy Spirit changes the heart of the Ethiopian in such a radical and complete way that he believes immediately and asks to be baptised. There is no more powerful an agent of change than the Holy Spirit.
Lord, help us to be more like the early church. Help us to pray more and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit day by day. I pray that our nation would be transformed as people come to know you."
1. Thank You for the Holy Spirit and may I follow His leading.
2. What a productive day! Thank You for the energy for my classes.
3. Thank You for a good time with a movie and a-little-more-than-an-hour videoke!
Powerful preaching
The early church was made up of ordinary people like you and me. Yet it changed the world. The whole known world was transformed following the death and resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts tells us how this happened.
Everywhere they went they preached the message about Jesus (v.4, MSG). In this passage we see that they preached to crowds and to individuals, like Simon the sorcerer and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Nations are comprised of cities, towns and villages. They preached the gospel in all three. Philip preached to a city in Samaria (v.5). Peter and John preached the gospel in many Samaritan villages (v.25). Philip preached the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (v.40).
Their preaching was accompanied – and indeed accelerated – by three factors:
Persecution
It began with persecution. ‘Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went’ (v.4). The dispersion brought great blessing. Everywhere they went they ‘proclaimed the Christ’ (v.5).
Again and again in the history of the church, persecution and opposition has led to unexpected fruitfulness. It is easy to lose heart when we experience setbacks, but this reminds us that God can use them in amazing ways.
Prayer
We see in this passage the importance of prayer. Peter and John prayed for the Samaritans that they might receive the Holy Spirit (vv.15–17).
Simon was a famous magician who dazzled everyone with his wizardry and had everyone eating out of his hand (vv.9–11, MSG). He himself believed and was baptised, but following his old ways he wanted to buy the Holy Spirit (v.19).
Peter was unimpressed, ‘To hell with your money! … Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust’ (vv.20–23, MSG).
Simon realised that only the Lord could save him and asked them to pray for him (v.24).
Power
The early church was characterised by enormous effectiveness: ‘When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed’ (vv.6–7).
They were totally reliant on the Holy Spirit. Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian was not the result of a strategic planning meeting. Rather, ‘the Spirit told Philip …’ (v.29). The result of him following the leading of the Holy Spirit was the remarkable conversion of the Ethiopian, which has affected the whole nation of Ethiopia right down to the present day. The church that was birthed that day has never died out in that nation.
The Holy Spirit is the agent of change. He can bring about change in a nation. That change starts with the change in the lives of people. It is worth noting the factors involved in the change in this Ethiopian.
First, the Spirit of God prepared his heart. The Ethiopian is honest about his ignorance (v.31), searching for answers (v.32) and not too proud to ask for help (v.34). There is no shame in not always understanding what we read in the Bible. It is wise to get help from trusted people or Bible commentaries to help us apply it to our lives.
Second, the Spirit of God is at work through the word of God. It is as the Ethiopian looks at the book of Isaiah that he begins to find answers (vv.32–33). Often, the Holy Spirit uses a human agent to help open up, explain, and apply the Scriptures. This is what happened here, beginning with Isaiah 53 Philip explains ‘the good news about Jesus’ (v.35).
The Holy Spirit changes the heart of the Ethiopian in such a radical and complete way that he believes immediately and asks to be baptised. There is no more powerful an agent of change than the Holy Spirit.
Lord, help us to be more like the early church. Help us to pray more and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit day by day. I pray that our nation would be transformed as people come to know you."
1. Thank You for the Holy Spirit and may I follow His leading.
2. What a productive day! Thank You for the energy for my classes.
3. Thank You for a good time with a movie and a-little-more-than-an-hour videoke!
Friday, October 02, 2015
The Right Relationship
"‘Ten thousand prostitutes plying their trade on the streets of London, widespread heavy drinking, gambling and immorality. London life was licentious and decadent.’ This is how William Hague, former leader of the British Conservative Party and current Foreign Secretary, describes eighteenth-century London in his biography of William Wilberforce. Anglican congregations had declined sharply. Parts of the English church had virtually descended into paganism 250 years ago.
Yet, the nation was changed. The preaching of Wesley and Whitefield began to take effect. Thousands of people responded to their message and encountered Jesus. Robert Raikes started his first Sunday school in 1780. The growth from this one idea touched 300,000 unchurched children within five years. By 1910, there were 5,668,760 children in Sunday school. God raised up Wilberforce, Shaftesbury and others. Not only were individual hearts changed – but the nation was also transformed.
As we look at our world today, we see it is changing faster than ever before. In the last twenty-five years there has been massive change – politically, economically and technologically. We have seen the virtual collapse of communism, the rise of global terrorism and a shift of power from West to East. Massive change is taking place in many countries around the world, especially in China and India. How can the spiritual climate of a nation be changed?
Proverbs 14:25-35
Peaceful People
The writer of Proverbs says, ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people’ (v.34). (‘God-devotion makes a country strong’ (v.34, MSG).) Sin destroys a nation. Righteousness exalts a nation. Righteousness involves a range of right relationships:
Peace with God
Righteousness starts with making peace with God (Romans 5:1). It starts with the fear of the Lord (in the good sense of proper respect for the Lord).
‘The Fear-of-God builds up confidence, and makes a world safe for your children. The Fear-of-God is a spring of living water’ (Proverbs 14:26–27a, MSG).
Peace with others
As far as it depends on you, ‘live at peace with everyone’ (Romans 12:18). Right relationships with others are characterised by righteous words and actions. First, our words are to be truthful rather than deceitful for ‘a truthful witness saves lives’ (Proverbs 14:25).
Second, our actions are to display a desire for the well-being of others. Be patient rather than quick-tempered (v.29). Be kind to those in need: ‘You insult your Maker when you exploit the powerless; when you’re kind to the poor, you honour God’ (v.31, MSG). Display your delight towards those who act in wisdom (vv.33,35).
Peace with ourselves
Righteousness involves a right relationship with ourselves. You can know peace, for ‘a heart at peace gives life to the body’ (v.30a). As the Amplified version puts it, ‘A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body’ (v.30a). Anger, lack of forgiveness, envy and jealousy can damage your physical body. Getting rid of the bad stuff in your life and having a ‘heart at peace’ is good for your health.
Ultimately, this peace comes from being content about both the present and the future. For, ‘even in death the righteous have a refuge’ (v.32b). For those who fear in the Lord, he becomes our refuge in the present (v.26) and the future (v.32b).
Lord, I pray that our nation will turn back to you. We pray that the name of the Lord will be respected again in parliament, government, schools and law courts. Help us to prioritise the poor and be kind to the needy."
1. Thank You that You can change the hearts of people. Thank You for reminding me of what a right relationship is.
2. Thank You for a fun technical training week.
3. Thank You for being able to roam the technical trainers around and having the best crab in town (again)!
Yet, the nation was changed. The preaching of Wesley and Whitefield began to take effect. Thousands of people responded to their message and encountered Jesus. Robert Raikes started his first Sunday school in 1780. The growth from this one idea touched 300,000 unchurched children within five years. By 1910, there were 5,668,760 children in Sunday school. God raised up Wilberforce, Shaftesbury and others. Not only were individual hearts changed – but the nation was also transformed.
As we look at our world today, we see it is changing faster than ever before. In the last twenty-five years there has been massive change – politically, economically and technologically. We have seen the virtual collapse of communism, the rise of global terrorism and a shift of power from West to East. Massive change is taking place in many countries around the world, especially in China and India. How can the spiritual climate of a nation be changed?
Proverbs 14:25-35
Peaceful People
The writer of Proverbs says, ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people’ (v.34). (‘God-devotion makes a country strong’ (v.34, MSG).) Sin destroys a nation. Righteousness exalts a nation. Righteousness involves a range of right relationships:
Peace with God
Righteousness starts with making peace with God (Romans 5:1). It starts with the fear of the Lord (in the good sense of proper respect for the Lord).
‘The Fear-of-God builds up confidence, and makes a world safe for your children. The Fear-of-God is a spring of living water’ (Proverbs 14:26–27a, MSG).
Peace with others
As far as it depends on you, ‘live at peace with everyone’ (Romans 12:18). Right relationships with others are characterised by righteous words and actions. First, our words are to be truthful rather than deceitful for ‘a truthful witness saves lives’ (Proverbs 14:25).
Second, our actions are to display a desire for the well-being of others. Be patient rather than quick-tempered (v.29). Be kind to those in need: ‘You insult your Maker when you exploit the powerless; when you’re kind to the poor, you honour God’ (v.31, MSG). Display your delight towards those who act in wisdom (vv.33,35).
Peace with ourselves
Righteousness involves a right relationship with ourselves. You can know peace, for ‘a heart at peace gives life to the body’ (v.30a). As the Amplified version puts it, ‘A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body’ (v.30a). Anger, lack of forgiveness, envy and jealousy can damage your physical body. Getting rid of the bad stuff in your life and having a ‘heart at peace’ is good for your health.
Ultimately, this peace comes from being content about both the present and the future. For, ‘even in death the righteous have a refuge’ (v.32b). For those who fear in the Lord, he becomes our refuge in the present (v.26) and the future (v.32b).
Lord, I pray that our nation will turn back to you. We pray that the name of the Lord will be respected again in parliament, government, schools and law courts. Help us to prioritise the poor and be kind to the needy."
1. Thank You that You can change the hearts of people. Thank You for reminding me of what a right relationship is.
2. Thank You for a fun technical training week.
3. Thank You for being able to roam the technical trainers around and having the best crab in town (again)!
Thursday, October 01, 2015
Through Suffering and Grief
"2 Samuel 18:19-19:4
Changed through suffering and grief
Are you in a period of suffering or grief? God often uses these times to change your heart and increase your compassion for others.
David’s heart was purified through suffering and grief. As if he had not suffered enough up until now, he receives the news that Absalom, his son, is dead. He was ‘heartbroken’ (18:33, MSG). He cries out, ‘O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you – O Absalom, my son, my son!’ (v.33).
He is then told in no uncertain terms by Joab that he has to pull himself together and to go out and encourage his troops who have just won a great battle for him against his enemies (19:1–7). Joab tells David, ‘put some heart into your servants!’ (v.7, MSG).
David changes his attitude. He gets up and does exactly what he has been asked to do (v.8). ‘He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man’ (v.14).
Not only did David have a change of heart, Shimei did as well. He prostrates himself before the king: ‘May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong … For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king’ (vv.19–20).
David, purified by his suffering, shines out like a brilliant light to all around him. He has mercy on Shimei. He deals wisely with Mephibosheth, Ziba and Barzillai (vv.24–39).
David is going to face more battles ahead as a war of words breaks out between Israel and Judah (vv.41–43).
Lord, thank you for the ways in which you use the times of suffering and grief in my life. Purify my heart and increase my compassion for others."
1. Problems may never go away but Thank You Lord for using these to draw me closer to You.
2. Thank You for additional network.
3. Thank You for fresh, raw, and yummy oysters with wasabi and other delicious seafoods.
Changed through suffering and grief
Are you in a period of suffering or grief? God often uses these times to change your heart and increase your compassion for others.
David’s heart was purified through suffering and grief. As if he had not suffered enough up until now, he receives the news that Absalom, his son, is dead. He was ‘heartbroken’ (18:33, MSG). He cries out, ‘O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you – O Absalom, my son, my son!’ (v.33).
He is then told in no uncertain terms by Joab that he has to pull himself together and to go out and encourage his troops who have just won a great battle for him against his enemies (19:1–7). Joab tells David, ‘put some heart into your servants!’ (v.7, MSG).
David changes his attitude. He gets up and does exactly what he has been asked to do (v.8). ‘He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one man’ (v.14).
Not only did David have a change of heart, Shimei did as well. He prostrates himself before the king: ‘May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong … For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king’ (vv.19–20).
David, purified by his suffering, shines out like a brilliant light to all around him. He has mercy on Shimei. He deals wisely with Mephibosheth, Ziba and Barzillai (vv.24–39).
David is going to face more battles ahead as a war of words breaks out between Israel and Judah (vv.41–43).
Lord, thank you for the ways in which you use the times of suffering and grief in my life. Purify my heart and increase my compassion for others."
1. Problems may never go away but Thank You Lord for using these to draw me closer to You.
2. Thank You for additional network.
3. Thank You for fresh, raw, and yummy oysters with wasabi and other delicious seafoods.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Change of Heart
"Acts 7:44-8:3
Changed through circumcision by the Holy Spirit
Do you ever look at someone who is very opposed to Christianity and wonder if they could ever change? In today’s passage we see that even the most hardened opponent of Christianity can have a change of heart.
To be a Jew meant physical circumcision. Every male was circumcised on the eighth day of his life. But physical circumcision was intended to be symbolic of circumcision of the heart.
As Stephen’s speech comes to an end, with great courage and boldness, he says to his accusers, ‘You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!’ (7:51). He then accuses them of having murdered Jesus (‘the Righteous One’, v.52).
One main theme runs through Stephen’s speech: God is not restricted to any one place. ‘The Most High does not live in houses made by human hands’ (v.48).
Neither the tabernacle (vv.44–45), nor the temple (vv.46–47) could ever have been viewed as God’s home in a literal sense: ‘The Most High does not live in houses made by human hands’ (v.48). For as God says through Isaiah, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool’ (v.49). Jesus came to replace the tabernacle and temple. Before Jesus, people would come to the temple to meet God. With Jesus’ coming, the meeting place with God would be Jesus himself.
Now, through the Holy Spirit, God is present with his people (Matthew 18:20). It is especially in the gathered community, the church, that God lives by his Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). By his Spirit, he dwells within each of us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). God’s dwelling is now in Stephen, who is ‘full of the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 7:55).
Stephen is speaking to the priests of the very temple that has now been superseded by Jesus through the Holy Spirit. So it is not surprising that ‘they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him’ (v.54). They drag him out of the city and stone him (v.58).
One of the people with an ‘uncircumcised heart’ is a young man named Saul. ‘The ringleaders took off their coats and asked a young man named Saul to watch them’ (v.58, MSG). He ‘was right there, congratulating the killers’ (8:1, MSG). This young man, Saul, ‘began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison’ (v.3).
It would be hard to find anyone in human history who had a bigger change of heart than this young man. From being a murderer of Christians, he became a great apostle who preached all over the world that Jesus is the Son of God (9:20).
When did this change of heart begin? Perhaps a seed was planted when he saw Stephen’s death. ‘Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” ’ (7:55–56).
Then, ‘While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep’ (vv.59–60).
Later, this same Saul, also known as Paul, would write, ‘No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit’ (Romans 2:29).
To circumcise is to cut off. Part of every true Christian is circumcised by the Holy Spirit. If our hearts are circumcised, we should cut off every wrong attitude that comes in to our hearts and minds. Cut off and get rid of anger, hatred, envy, lust, greed and every other wrong attitude when it comes into your mind, saying ‘no’ to anything that will stop your heart being right before God.
Thank you, Lord, that Paul’s change of heart gives hope for every human being. Thank you that those convicted of the most terrible crimes can change. Thank you that those who are most antagonistic towards you can change. Thank you that we can all change. Thank you that my heart can be changed by your love."
1. Thank You for Hope.
2. Thank You that there is an option to recall a packaged mail.
3. Thank You for the generous servings that Lam Cafe provides. Yum!
Changed through circumcision by the Holy Spirit
Do you ever look at someone who is very opposed to Christianity and wonder if they could ever change? In today’s passage we see that even the most hardened opponent of Christianity can have a change of heart.
To be a Jew meant physical circumcision. Every male was circumcised on the eighth day of his life. But physical circumcision was intended to be symbolic of circumcision of the heart.
As Stephen’s speech comes to an end, with great courage and boldness, he says to his accusers, ‘You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!’ (7:51). He then accuses them of having murdered Jesus (‘the Righteous One’, v.52).
One main theme runs through Stephen’s speech: God is not restricted to any one place. ‘The Most High does not live in houses made by human hands’ (v.48).
Neither the tabernacle (vv.44–45), nor the temple (vv.46–47) could ever have been viewed as God’s home in a literal sense: ‘The Most High does not live in houses made by human hands’ (v.48). For as God says through Isaiah, ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool’ (v.49). Jesus came to replace the tabernacle and temple. Before Jesus, people would come to the temple to meet God. With Jesus’ coming, the meeting place with God would be Jesus himself.
Now, through the Holy Spirit, God is present with his people (Matthew 18:20). It is especially in the gathered community, the church, that God lives by his Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). By his Spirit, he dwells within each of us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). God’s dwelling is now in Stephen, who is ‘full of the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 7:55).
Stephen is speaking to the priests of the very temple that has now been superseded by Jesus through the Holy Spirit. So it is not surprising that ‘they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him’ (v.54). They drag him out of the city and stone him (v.58).
One of the people with an ‘uncircumcised heart’ is a young man named Saul. ‘The ringleaders took off their coats and asked a young man named Saul to watch them’ (v.58, MSG). He ‘was right there, congratulating the killers’ (8:1, MSG). This young man, Saul, ‘began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison’ (v.3).
It would be hard to find anyone in human history who had a bigger change of heart than this young man. From being a murderer of Christians, he became a great apostle who preached all over the world that Jesus is the Son of God (9:20).
When did this change of heart begin? Perhaps a seed was planted when he saw Stephen’s death. ‘Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” ’ (7:55–56).
Then, ‘While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep’ (vv.59–60).
Later, this same Saul, also known as Paul, would write, ‘No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit’ (Romans 2:29).
To circumcise is to cut off. Part of every true Christian is circumcised by the Holy Spirit. If our hearts are circumcised, we should cut off every wrong attitude that comes in to our hearts and minds. Cut off and get rid of anger, hatred, envy, lust, greed and every other wrong attitude when it comes into your mind, saying ‘no’ to anything that will stop your heart being right before God.
Thank you, Lord, that Paul’s change of heart gives hope for every human being. Thank you that those convicted of the most terrible crimes can change. Thank you that those who are most antagonistic towards you can change. Thank you that we can all change. Thank you that my heart can be changed by your love."
1. Thank You for Hope.
2. Thank You that there is an option to recall a packaged mail.
3. Thank You for the generous servings that Lam Cafe provides. Yum!
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
The Slippery Path of Doubt and Despair
"There was a woman who lived on the streets near our church. She would ask for money and react aggressively to those who refused. She walked the streets for years, accompanied by a mass of plastic bags. When she died, I took the funeral. Although I didn’t expect anyone to be there, there were in fact several well-dressed people at the service. I discovered afterwards that this woman had inherited a large fortune. She had acquired a luxurious flat and many valuable paintings, but she chose to live on the streets with her plastic bags full of rubbish. She could not bring herself to leave her lifestyle, and she never enjoyed her inheritance.
Some people are afraid of change, while others believe change is not possible. Yet the wonderful news is that with God’s help you can change. This change is key to spiritual growth and transformation. It is not just about changing your actions or appearance though, you need to change on the inside – you need a change of heart. How can this happen?
Psalm 73:1-14
1. Changed through seeing things from God’s perspective
Have you ever wondered whether your faith was really worthwhile? Have you ever looked around at very successful people who have no faith and wondered whether they are better off than you and even been tempted to be envious of them?
The psalmist has kept his heart pure (v.1), but he has found life extremely tough. He has had his struggles and been ‘plagued’ (v.5) by temptation, doubts, fears and anxiety of mind.
He looks around at an affluent society that seems to be doing very well without God. He begins to slip (v.2): ‘For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked’ (v.3).
You may see people around who are rich and successful. In spite of their ‘callous hearts’ (v.7), they seem not to have struggles (v.4). They seem perfectly healthy and free from burdens (vv.4–5). They are proud and arrogant, and appear to have no need of God (vv.6–11).
This psalm is the testimony of a person who finds himself on the slippery path of doubt and despair (v.2). He wonders whether he has kept his heart pure in vain (v.13).
That is until (as we shall see in a few days’ time), he ‘entered the sanctuary of God’ (v.17). Then he had a complete change of heart. He ‘understood their final destiny’. He realised the difference between their destiny and his (v.17).
The psalm starts, ‘Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart’ (v.1). And it ends, ‘But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds’ (v.28).
Lord, may I, like the psalmist, enter your sanctuary and see things from your perspective. Thank you that I can say with the psalmist that ‘you are good to those who are pure in heart ... it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.’"
1. Thank You that there is always a better perspective. May I learn to focus on Your perspective.
2. Thank You for energy to walk at least 7 kilometers.
3. Thank You for movies as entertainment.
Some people are afraid of change, while others believe change is not possible. Yet the wonderful news is that with God’s help you can change. This change is key to spiritual growth and transformation. It is not just about changing your actions or appearance though, you need to change on the inside – you need a change of heart. How can this happen?
Psalm 73:1-14
1. Changed through seeing things from God’s perspective
Have you ever wondered whether your faith was really worthwhile? Have you ever looked around at very successful people who have no faith and wondered whether they are better off than you and even been tempted to be envious of them?
The psalmist has kept his heart pure (v.1), but he has found life extremely tough. He has had his struggles and been ‘plagued’ (v.5) by temptation, doubts, fears and anxiety of mind.
He looks around at an affluent society that seems to be doing very well without God. He begins to slip (v.2): ‘For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked’ (v.3).
You may see people around who are rich and successful. In spite of their ‘callous hearts’ (v.7), they seem not to have struggles (v.4). They seem perfectly healthy and free from burdens (vv.4–5). They are proud and arrogant, and appear to have no need of God (vv.6–11).
This psalm is the testimony of a person who finds himself on the slippery path of doubt and despair (v.2). He wonders whether he has kept his heart pure in vain (v.13).
That is until (as we shall see in a few days’ time), he ‘entered the sanctuary of God’ (v.17). Then he had a complete change of heart. He ‘understood their final destiny’. He realised the difference between their destiny and his (v.17).
The psalm starts, ‘Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart’ (v.1). And it ends, ‘But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds’ (v.28).
Lord, may I, like the psalmist, enter your sanctuary and see things from your perspective. Thank you that I can say with the psalmist that ‘you are good to those who are pure in heart ... it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.’"
1. Thank You that there is always a better perspective. May I learn to focus on Your perspective.
2. Thank You for energy to walk at least 7 kilometers.
3. Thank You for movies as entertainment.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Enquire of the Lord
"2 Samuel 16:15-18:18
Providence and protection
You can trust God with your future, your family, your church and your nation. The whole universe is in his hands and he is working his purposes out.
Again, in this passage we see God’s providential hand in history. He is at work through all the human events that are described here.
The advice Ahithophel gave ‘was like that of one who enquires of God’ (16:23). If we are to give advice of any value we have to be people who enquire of the Lord, who enquire in advance what God is doing and what his will is.
If Absalom had followed Ahithophel’s advice, it would have been disastrous for David. Instead, Absalom chose to ignore Ahithophel’s wise advice and follow the bad advice of Hushai.
We see in the passage what God was doing in this situation. God’s providential care and protection was around David: ‘For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel’ (17:14). This was an answer to the spirit of David’s prayer.
Here we see that God is the hidden hand and ruler of history. David and all the other people involved in the drama have enormous power and freedom to act. But they are not free to act as though the Lord was not there.
Thank you, Lord, that you are in charge of human history. You reign and rule over this universe. Thank you that in all things you work for the good of those who love you and who have been called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28)."
1. Thank You that You have control over everything. You know what is best.
2. Thank you for the opportunity of training and for more technical knowledge to take in.
3. Thank you for continued networking from the class.
Providence and protection
You can trust God with your future, your family, your church and your nation. The whole universe is in his hands and he is working his purposes out.
Again, in this passage we see God’s providential hand in history. He is at work through all the human events that are described here.
The advice Ahithophel gave ‘was like that of one who enquires of God’ (16:23). If we are to give advice of any value we have to be people who enquire of the Lord, who enquire in advance what God is doing and what his will is.
If Absalom had followed Ahithophel’s advice, it would have been disastrous for David. Instead, Absalom chose to ignore Ahithophel’s wise advice and follow the bad advice of Hushai.
We see in the passage what God was doing in this situation. God’s providential care and protection was around David: ‘For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel’ (17:14). This was an answer to the spirit of David’s prayer.
Here we see that God is the hidden hand and ruler of history. David and all the other people involved in the drama have enormous power and freedom to act. But they are not free to act as though the Lord was not there.
Thank you, Lord, that you are in charge of human history. You reign and rule over this universe. Thank you that in all things you work for the good of those who love you and who have been called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28)."
1. Thank You that You have control over everything. You know what is best.
2. Thank you for the opportunity of training and for more technical knowledge to take in.
3. Thank you for continued networking from the class.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Like Moses, Like Jesus
"Acts 7:20-43
Providence and prophecy
We see in this passage the extraordinary way in which God planned and prepared for the coming of Jesus. God in his providence foresees the future, and so in a mysterious way anticipates, prepares for it and guides it.
Stephen’s speech rehearses the ways in which God had guided and watched over Israel’s history, and through it prepared for Jesus’ coming. In this section he focuses particularly on Moses.
Moses had said that God would raise up a prophet like him (Deuteronomy 18:15). Peter has already applied this to Jesus (Acts 3:22–23). Now Stephen does the same. He says, ‘This is that Moses who told the Israelites, “God will send you a prophet like me from your own people” ’ (7:37).
Moses was a ‘type’ of Christ. He foreshadowed and prepared the way. There are at least fifteen similarities between Moses and Jesus:
Like Jesus, Moses was ‘no ordinary child’ (v.20). The circumstances surrounding the births of both Moses and Jesus were appropriately extraordinary.
Like Jesus (Matthew 2:16–17), Moses was born at a time when newborn babies were being killed off (Acts 7:19–21).
Like Jesus (Luke 2:40), Moses was noted for his wisdom. ‘Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians’ (Acts 7:22).
Like Jesus (John 7:46), Moses was ‘powerful in speech and action’ (Acts 7:22).
Like Jesus, Moses had a season of preparation. We know little about the first thirty years of either of their lives. Both spent this time being trained for the task ahead (vv.22–23).
Like Jesus (John 2:16), Moses showed righteous anger at sin (Acts 7:24).
Like Jesus (John 1:11), Moses was sent by God to rescue his people, but was not recognised as such at the time. ‘Moses thought that his own people would realise that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not’ (Acts 7:25).
Like Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:19), Moses aimed at reconciliation. Moses ‘tried to reconcile them’ (Acts 7:26).
Like Jesus (John 5:22), Moses is described as ruler and judge. It was said to Moses, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?’ (Acts 7:27).
Like Jesus (Luke 3:22), Moses heard the Lord’s voice (Acts 7:31).
Like Jesus (John 1:14; 2:21), Moses recognised that the holy place was not in a specific religious location, but where God is present. For Moses this was at the burning bush for God said, ‘The place where you are standing is holy ground’ (Acts 7:33).
Like Jesus (John 8:36), Moses set the people free from oppression. The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free’ (Acts 7:34).
Like Jesus (4:11), Moses was misunderstood and rejected by his own people. ‘Moses whom they had rejected ... they rejected him’ (7:35,39).
Like Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:10), Moses succeeded in delivering his own people. Moses ‘led them out of Egypt’ (Acts 7:36).
Like Jesus (2:36), Moses’ rejection brought God’s judgment, but led to eventual victory (7:42). As the apostle Peter put it on the day of Pentecost, ‘God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ’ (2:36).
Lord, thank you for the astonishing way in which you work your purposes out through history and through your prophets like Moses. Thank you that I can trust in your providence over all the events and circumstances in my life."
1. What an amazing comparison. Thank You God for bringing these people in history.
2. Thank You for the life of my sister. :)
3. Thank You for new technical knowledge.
Providence and prophecy
We see in this passage the extraordinary way in which God planned and prepared for the coming of Jesus. God in his providence foresees the future, and so in a mysterious way anticipates, prepares for it and guides it.
Stephen’s speech rehearses the ways in which God had guided and watched over Israel’s history, and through it prepared for Jesus’ coming. In this section he focuses particularly on Moses.
Moses had said that God would raise up a prophet like him (Deuteronomy 18:15). Peter has already applied this to Jesus (Acts 3:22–23). Now Stephen does the same. He says, ‘This is that Moses who told the Israelites, “God will send you a prophet like me from your own people” ’ (7:37).
Moses was a ‘type’ of Christ. He foreshadowed and prepared the way. There are at least fifteen similarities between Moses and Jesus:
Like Jesus, Moses was ‘no ordinary child’ (v.20). The circumstances surrounding the births of both Moses and Jesus were appropriately extraordinary.
Like Jesus (Matthew 2:16–17), Moses was born at a time when newborn babies were being killed off (Acts 7:19–21).
Like Jesus (Luke 2:40), Moses was noted for his wisdom. ‘Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians’ (Acts 7:22).
Like Jesus (John 7:46), Moses was ‘powerful in speech and action’ (Acts 7:22).
Like Jesus, Moses had a season of preparation. We know little about the first thirty years of either of their lives. Both spent this time being trained for the task ahead (vv.22–23).
Like Jesus (John 2:16), Moses showed righteous anger at sin (Acts 7:24).
Like Jesus (John 1:11), Moses was sent by God to rescue his people, but was not recognised as such at the time. ‘Moses thought that his own people would realise that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not’ (Acts 7:25).
Like Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:19), Moses aimed at reconciliation. Moses ‘tried to reconcile them’ (Acts 7:26).
Like Jesus (John 5:22), Moses is described as ruler and judge. It was said to Moses, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?’ (Acts 7:27).
Like Jesus (Luke 3:22), Moses heard the Lord’s voice (Acts 7:31).
Like Jesus (John 1:14; 2:21), Moses recognised that the holy place was not in a specific religious location, but where God is present. For Moses this was at the burning bush for God said, ‘The place where you are standing is holy ground’ (Acts 7:33).
Like Jesus (John 8:36), Moses set the people free from oppression. The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free’ (Acts 7:34).
Like Jesus (4:11), Moses was misunderstood and rejected by his own people. ‘Moses whom they had rejected ... they rejected him’ (7:35,39).
Like Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:10), Moses succeeded in delivering his own people. Moses ‘led them out of Egypt’ (Acts 7:36).
Like Jesus (2:36), Moses’ rejection brought God’s judgment, but led to eventual victory (7:42). As the apostle Peter put it on the day of Pentecost, ‘God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ’ (2:36).
Lord, thank you for the astonishing way in which you work your purposes out through history and through your prophets like Moses. Thank you that I can trust in your providence over all the events and circumstances in my life."
1. What an amazing comparison. Thank You God for bringing these people in history.
2. Thank You for the life of my sister. :)
3. Thank You for new technical knowledge.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
The Mystery of Prayer
"Ravi Zacharias recalls a visit he made to a place known for making the best wedding saris in the world: ‘With such intricacy of detail, I expected to see some elaborate system of machines that would boggle the mind in production. But this image could not have been further from the real scene. Each sari was made individually by a father and son team. The father sat above the son on a platform, surrounded by several spools of thread that he would gather into his fingers. The son had only one task. At a nod from his father, he would move the shuttle from one side to the other and back again. This would then be repeated for hundreds of hours, until a magnificent pattern began to emerge.
‘The son certainly had the easier task. He was only to move at the father’s nod. But making use of these efforts, the father was working to an intricate end. All along, he had the design in his mind and was bringing the right threads together.’
Ravi Zacharias ends the story by saying, ‘God alone can weave a pattern from the disparate threads of our lives – whether suffering, success, joy, or heartache – and fashion a magnificent design. Perhaps today, if you will stop and reflect on it, you will see that the Father is seeking to weave a beautiful tapestry in your life.’
Everything that happens in this world is within the sphere of God’s working. Theologians call this ‘providence’. This word means God’s foresight: the way he anticipates and prepares for the future. Providence is the protective care and government of God. He is present and active in the world – sustaining it and ruling it. ‘Providence’ is the way God guides and steers human beings and human history.
God also sometimes intervenes in his world through miracles. But there is a difference between ‘providence’ and ‘miracles’. The most accurate definition of a miracle that I have come across is that given by Bishop David Atkinson who writes that a miracle is ‘best kept to refer to a non-repeatable counter-instance of an otherwise demonstrable law of nature.’
Job said, ‘You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit’ (Job 10:12). In each of our passages for today we see something about God’s providence
Psalm 72:1-20
Providence and prayer
Your prayers make a difference. Not only do they affect your own life but also they can affect the course of history.
How providence and prayer work together is a mystery. In some extraordinary way our prayers affect the outcome of events. God is sovereign and works out his purposes through history. Yet he involves us in this process.
This psalm is a prayer for King Solomon. It was a strong reminder of his high calling. Yet it goes beyond what is humanly attainable. For example, ‘He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations’ (v.5). His reign is eternal and universal (v.8).
Ultimately, it was only fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. C.H. Spurgeon wrote, ‘Jesus is here, beyond all doubt, in the glory of His reign, both as He now is, and as He shall be revealed in the latter day glory.’
This psalm is a prayer for blessing on the king and through him that all the people will be blessed with ‘prosperity’ (v.3). The good leader will be concerned about poverty and justice: ‘Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel tyrants’ (v.4, MSG). It is also a prayer that in his foreign policy ‘all nations will be blessed through him’ (v.17).
David says, ‘May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long’ (v.15b). It is clear that God’s blessing on the leader will come as people pray for him. How this works we do not know. However, it shows that praying really does make a difference. In his providence, somehow God takes our prayers and uses them to bring blessing.
Lord, thank you that prayer makes a difference. Today, I pray especially for our leaders who you, in your providence, have set over us. Give them grace and wisdom to fulfil the duties of their calling. Enrich their lives that they may be a source of strength and inspiration to the people, and promote your honour and glory."
1. Thank You for revealing that prayer indeeds make a lot of difference.
2. Thank You that You have blessed us with extra hours for learning.
3. Hallelujah for scrumptious crabs!
‘The son certainly had the easier task. He was only to move at the father’s nod. But making use of these efforts, the father was working to an intricate end. All along, he had the design in his mind and was bringing the right threads together.’
Ravi Zacharias ends the story by saying, ‘God alone can weave a pattern from the disparate threads of our lives – whether suffering, success, joy, or heartache – and fashion a magnificent design. Perhaps today, if you will stop and reflect on it, you will see that the Father is seeking to weave a beautiful tapestry in your life.’
Everything that happens in this world is within the sphere of God’s working. Theologians call this ‘providence’. This word means God’s foresight: the way he anticipates and prepares for the future. Providence is the protective care and government of God. He is present and active in the world – sustaining it and ruling it. ‘Providence’ is the way God guides and steers human beings and human history.
God also sometimes intervenes in his world through miracles. But there is a difference between ‘providence’ and ‘miracles’. The most accurate definition of a miracle that I have come across is that given by Bishop David Atkinson who writes that a miracle is ‘best kept to refer to a non-repeatable counter-instance of an otherwise demonstrable law of nature.’
Job said, ‘You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit’ (Job 10:12). In each of our passages for today we see something about God’s providence
Psalm 72:1-20
Providence and prayer
Your prayers make a difference. Not only do they affect your own life but also they can affect the course of history.
How providence and prayer work together is a mystery. In some extraordinary way our prayers affect the outcome of events. God is sovereign and works out his purposes through history. Yet he involves us in this process.
This psalm is a prayer for King Solomon. It was a strong reminder of his high calling. Yet it goes beyond what is humanly attainable. For example, ‘He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations’ (v.5). His reign is eternal and universal (v.8).
Ultimately, it was only fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. C.H. Spurgeon wrote, ‘Jesus is here, beyond all doubt, in the glory of His reign, both as He now is, and as He shall be revealed in the latter day glory.’
This psalm is a prayer for blessing on the king and through him that all the people will be blessed with ‘prosperity’ (v.3). The good leader will be concerned about poverty and justice: ‘Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel tyrants’ (v.4, MSG). It is also a prayer that in his foreign policy ‘all nations will be blessed through him’ (v.17).
David says, ‘May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long’ (v.15b). It is clear that God’s blessing on the leader will come as people pray for him. How this works we do not know. However, it shows that praying really does make a difference. In his providence, somehow God takes our prayers and uses them to bring blessing.
Lord, thank you that prayer makes a difference. Today, I pray especially for our leaders who you, in your providence, have set over us. Give them grace and wisdom to fulfil the duties of their calling. Enrich their lives that they may be a source of strength and inspiration to the people, and promote your honour and glory."
1. Thank You for revealing that prayer indeeds make a lot of difference.
2. Thank You that You have blessed us with extra hours for learning.
3. Hallelujah for scrumptious crabs!
Friday, September 25, 2015
David's Exhaustion
"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.
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.
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
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