He hath made me with an everlasting covenant. 2 Samuel 23:5
My morning devotion is based on this verse from 2Samuel.
"Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?
This was David's last song before he died. Looking back at his life, he knew that God had taken care of him. Some translation puts the first line as 'Although my house be not so with God, he hath made me an everlasting covenant.' This reminds me that although we face many trials, sorrows and all may not be right, this does not change God's promises to us. His promises are everlasting. There is always an 'although' in our lives. If our lives were perfect, we would be so comfortable on this earth and starts to build a great and comfy nest. We would probably forget why we are on earth in the first place.
Yet, despite all my troubles and imperfections, He has made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part. His will for me is perfect. It is perfectly arranged and secured. God is a god of order, not chaos. His promises are sure and He does not change according to the world's fashion or fancy. No trouble or disappointment can change that.
David also knew that although there were many things that he had been unable to accomplish but He knew that God would bring a successor and that He would bring to fruition all that He had planned.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Facing difficult times
Acts 16:16-40
Facing disappointments/tough times
Paul and Silas were arrested while they were preaching the gospel. They were sentenced without a trial. Then, they were severely flogged and put in stocks. Instead of giving up or complaining, they immediately started praying and singing hymns. All the other prisoners were listening to them. Later, there was an earthquake and all the doors of the cells opened but none of the prisoners escaped. The guard was amazed and asked to be saved.
Lessons learnt:
1 Focus on God just as Paul and Silas did.
They had a few options.
They could moan and groan in pain – they had every right to...they were severely beaten.
They could also complain and whine about their situation and hold a pity party.
They could withdraw into themselves
2 Instead, they started praying
They immediately went to God in prayer. They poured their hearts out to God. Instead of dwelling on their situations – they were imprisoned without a trial.
Paul did not waver from His faith. Sometimes it is difficult to pray because you are at a loss for words...
Rom 8:26 says: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
3 Sing praises to Him
The Bible is full of songs. Singing connects the soul with God..When we are in trouble, singing praises and hymns help keep our minds on the greatness of God and not the situations or the difficulties you are facing. Learn the secret of worship.
Paul and Silas are great examples of being still and know that He is God. (Psalms 46:10) We are asked to be still and know He is God. We are asked to be still and know Him...Be still comes from the root verb rapha...to surrender, to let go....suggesting that we should give up trusting in ourselves and our own designs and surrender to His power and saving grace.
Paul surrendered to God and found peace in the midst of chaos. He felt free even though his hands and feet were bound.
4 As a result of our faith, others are also encouraged and come to know Christ. Sometimes it is not about you but about Christ.
As a result, God used Paul to bring the jailer and his family to Christ. God could also use us as a channel of his blessings if we continue to stay faithful and trust in Him.
Summary
There are times in our lives when we are in some kind of ‘prison’. It may seem that troubles keep turning up at our door. There are two things we can do, one, we can hurt alone and dwell in self-pity or we can surrender to God and let him set us free.
Be assured that God knows what is happening and He is in control.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Lead me to the Rock
Psalm 61[a]
1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
When times are bad, and you have cried your tears till you are dry, then what do you do? The Psalmist sang, 'Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
Who is this Rock? It is Jesus. He is the only firm footing that we can trust.
When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, to the Rock of my salvation. Help me be still, to let go and know Jesus.
Lead me to the Rock, who is much stronger than I.
"For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock" (Ps. 27:5).
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I will be still...and know you are God
Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are king over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
Friday, November 11, 2011
My glory and the lifter of my head...
Psalm 3
(Written by David when he was running from his son Absalom.)
An Early Morning Prayer
1 I have a lot of enemies, LORD.
Many fight against
2 me and say,
"God won't rescue you!"
3But you are my shield,
and you give me victory
and great honor.
4 I pray to you, and you answer
from your sacred hill.
5 I sleep and wake up refreshed
because you, LORD,
protect me.
6 Ten thousand enemies attack
from every side,
but I am not afraid.
7Come and save me, LORD God!
Break my enemies' jaws
and shatter their teeth,
8 because you protect
and bless your people.
Sometimes we are overwhelmed by all the troubles we face. Just when we think we have finished with one, up comes another. David says sometimes people think that God has abandoned us. Things are so bad sometimes that we hang our head low in shame and discouragement. But David reminded himself that God is His shield and His glory, the lifter of His head. God will protect us and lift us up. Cry unto God and give Him all your troubles for He hears you. He will give you rest and sustain you. Rest and sleep comes from God. So, do not let your hearts be troubled. God will take care of all the enemies because salvation belongs to Him.
What an apt Psalm to read for those who are facing exams next week.
Psalm 121
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
God is our Help, the maker of heaven and earth...He will not let you slip or stumble...He does not sleep...He has you in His palms...
I always sing this psalm when I was young and reading it again just brings it to my mind.
My glory and the lifter of my head (2x)
for Thou O Lord art a shield to me
My glory and the lifter of my head
I cried unto the Lord with my voice (3x)
and He heard me out of His holy hills
(Written by David when he was running from his son Absalom.)
An Early Morning Prayer
1 I have a lot of enemies, LORD.
Many fight against
2 me and say,
"God won't rescue you!"
3But you are my shield,
and you give me victory
and great honor.
4 I pray to you, and you answer
from your sacred hill.
5 I sleep and wake up refreshed
because you, LORD,
protect me.
6 Ten thousand enemies attack
from every side,
but I am not afraid.
7Come and save me, LORD God!
Break my enemies' jaws
and shatter their teeth,
8 because you protect
and bless your people.
Sometimes we are overwhelmed by all the troubles we face. Just when we think we have finished with one, up comes another. David says sometimes people think that God has abandoned us. Things are so bad sometimes that we hang our head low in shame and discouragement. But David reminded himself that God is His shield and His glory, the lifter of His head. God will protect us and lift us up. Cry unto God and give Him all your troubles for He hears you. He will give you rest and sustain you. Rest and sleep comes from God. So, do not let your hearts be troubled. God will take care of all the enemies because salvation belongs to Him.
What an apt Psalm to read for those who are facing exams next week.
Psalm 121
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
God is our Help, the maker of heaven and earth...He will not let you slip or stumble...He does not sleep...He has you in His palms...
I always sing this psalm when I was young and reading it again just brings it to my mind.
My glory and the lifter of my head (2x)
for Thou O Lord art a shield to me
My glory and the lifter of my head
I cried unto the Lord with my voice (3x)
and He heard me out of His holy hills
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Like a tree planted by streams of water
Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
It is indeed difficult to be in this world and not be of this world. We get caught up in the rat race, in the pursuit of material gains that we forget we are only here for awhile. It is sad to see children being left alone with nannies while their parents continue their climb of the corporate ladder, hoping to get higher, earn more so that their children could have more than they had...Yet, all the children want is to have their parents home. Instead they are surrounded with expensive toys, things that bring them pleasure for awhile and they hunger for more...In the meantime, they are brought up by their maids. Are we surprised then when our children end up like a total stranger, with values that are far beyond our understanding? We are guilty of letting the computer and television be the babysitter.
I am blessed that my two sons love the Lord and it is by grace and grace alone. When they were young, we were too busy in our own career to bring them up spiritually and that is the part I regret the most. If parents struggle with their own spirituality, how could they lead their children? But I did try my best to bring them to Sunday School, to pray with them, to encourage them to read the Bible. Going to church was not an option. My sons knew that from very young. Come what may (exams or no), we made sure everyone is in church each Sunday. Biblical principles also rule at home. Ultimately, we all want to be like the tree that is planted by the waters, bearing fruit. And it is my prayer, that my sons will grow and take delight in God.
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
It is indeed difficult to be in this world and not be of this world. We get caught up in the rat race, in the pursuit of material gains that we forget we are only here for awhile. It is sad to see children being left alone with nannies while their parents continue their climb of the corporate ladder, hoping to get higher, earn more so that their children could have more than they had...Yet, all the children want is to have their parents home. Instead they are surrounded with expensive toys, things that bring them pleasure for awhile and they hunger for more...In the meantime, they are brought up by their maids. Are we surprised then when our children end up like a total stranger, with values that are far beyond our understanding? We are guilty of letting the computer and television be the babysitter.
I am blessed that my two sons love the Lord and it is by grace and grace alone. When they were young, we were too busy in our own career to bring them up spiritually and that is the part I regret the most. If parents struggle with their own spirituality, how could they lead their children? But I did try my best to bring them to Sunday School, to pray with them, to encourage them to read the Bible. Going to church was not an option. My sons knew that from very young. Come what may (exams or no), we made sure everyone is in church each Sunday. Biblical principles also rule at home. Ultimately, we all want to be like the tree that is planted by the waters, bearing fruit. And it is my prayer, that my sons will grow and take delight in God.
How marvellous, how wonderful....
My favourite verses are mostly found in the psalms. I like to read the Psalms all the time.
Psalms 8
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]
5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
When I look at the design of the world, I cannot but marvel at God's amazing handiwork. Someone wrote that nature is God's handwriting. How true! It is magnificent. Yet, God cares even more for mankind whom He has created. The psalmist say, I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Psalm 139:14. He also put everything under man's feet, to rule over the animals, the flora and fauna. Yet, look at what mankind has done to nature in pursuit of development and material gains.
Psalms 8
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]
5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
When I look at the design of the world, I cannot but marvel at God's amazing handiwork. Someone wrote that nature is God's handwriting. How true! It is magnificent. Yet, God cares even more for mankind whom He has created. The psalmist say, I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Psalm 139:14. He also put everything under man's feet, to rule over the animals, the flora and fauna. Yet, look at what mankind has done to nature in pursuit of development and material gains.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Unwholesome talk
Ephesians 4:29
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Paul charged the Ephesians that they should behave accordingly now that they are Christians. This is the last part of Chapter 4. 'Unwholesome talk' refers to anything that is not edifying, not building others up but tearing them down. How many times have I passed the opportunity to speak something edifying rather than spread a juicy gossip? Or a smart reply that hurts or humiliates? Or even sarcasm? This does not mean we flatter or compliment others all the time. Speak only what is helpful. Unwholesome talk would also include foul language, coarse jokes, lies and deceit,curses and etc because such communications spring from a corrupt heart. Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, fighting with each other and all other forms of malice.
Instead we are to say something that builds others up. We are to encourage others, saying something that is helpful to them. I remember asking my class to write something positive about each of their classmates on a piece of paper. All these positive comments are compiled and given to each of the students to read what their classmates had said about them. You can see the positive effects of this exercise on the students. Some were not aware that they have so many positive qualities.
Proverbs 15:1 says 'A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.
I find this true in my daily communications with others. Sometimes hubby comes home tired and wants to unwind in front of the TV while I sulkingly prepare dinner. If I say a harsh word, I am definitely getting a harsh reply. If I ask nicely, help arrives rather quickly. When we are arguing, a harsh word only builds up the anger and we always end up saying things that we do not mean. Sometimes, knowing when to keep quiet is also helpful. When someone loses control, we need to back away instead of charging on with our case. No one is listening anymore.
THINK before speaking. I find this acronym rather helpful.
T - is it truthful?
H - is it helpful?
I - is it inspiring?
N - is it necessary?
K - is it kind?
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Paul charged the Ephesians that they should behave accordingly now that they are Christians. This is the last part of Chapter 4. 'Unwholesome talk' refers to anything that is not edifying, not building others up but tearing them down. How many times have I passed the opportunity to speak something edifying rather than spread a juicy gossip? Or a smart reply that hurts or humiliates? Or even sarcasm? This does not mean we flatter or compliment others all the time. Speak only what is helpful. Unwholesome talk would also include foul language, coarse jokes, lies and deceit,curses and etc because such communications spring from a corrupt heart. Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, fighting with each other and all other forms of malice.
Instead we are to say something that builds others up. We are to encourage others, saying something that is helpful to them. I remember asking my class to write something positive about each of their classmates on a piece of paper. All these positive comments are compiled and given to each of the students to read what their classmates had said about them. You can see the positive effects of this exercise on the students. Some were not aware that they have so many positive qualities.
Proverbs 15:1 says 'A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.
I find this true in my daily communications with others. Sometimes hubby comes home tired and wants to unwind in front of the TV while I sulkingly prepare dinner. If I say a harsh word, I am definitely getting a harsh reply. If I ask nicely, help arrives rather quickly. When we are arguing, a harsh word only builds up the anger and we always end up saying things that we do not mean. Sometimes, knowing when to keep quiet is also helpful. When someone loses control, we need to back away instead of charging on with our case. No one is listening anymore.
THINK before speaking. I find this acronym rather helpful.
T - is it truthful?
H - is it helpful?
I - is it inspiring?
N - is it necessary?
K - is it kind?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
I have engraved you on the palms of My hands...
Isaiah 49:15-16
15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.
God puts another reminder to His people and their complaints. How can a mother forget the baby that she gave birthed to? won't she have compassion for this baby? The thought of the baby will tug her heart forever. This is how God feels about His children. And though there are mothers who will forget and throw away their babies, God says, 'I will not forget'.
He has engraved His children on the palms of His hands, referring to the practice by some Jews and others to engraved an emblem on their palms to help them remember. Our walls are ever before Him, meaning that we are always before Him, He is constantly reminded of us and He remembers us amidst the trials and chaos.
15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.
God puts another reminder to His people and their complaints. How can a mother forget the baby that she gave birthed to? won't she have compassion for this baby? The thought of the baby will tug her heart forever. This is how God feels about His children. And though there are mothers who will forget and throw away their babies, God says, 'I will not forget'.
He has engraved His children on the palms of His hands, referring to the practice by some Jews and others to engraved an emblem on their palms to help them remember. Our walls are ever before Him, meaning that we are always before Him, He is constantly reminded of us and He remembers us amidst the trials and chaos.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
The Promise of the Spirit
Isaiah 44:3-4
Fear not......For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring; they will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses.”
This is a promise of the Redeemer to His people. He will not only quench those who are thirsty but He would pour His Holy Spirit on them. The word 'pour' suggests overwhelming gush of the Spirit. There is abundance here. If you are thirsty for God, feeling empty, God is ready to pour. If we have tasted a few drops, are we ready for more? Ask for it and receive Him by faith. This blessing is not only for you but for your descendants as well. And the result of this 'pouring' is life. 'They will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses. Don't we want our children and their children to be blessed as such by the Lord?
Fear not......For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring; they will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses.”
This is a promise of the Redeemer to His people. He will not only quench those who are thirsty but He would pour His Holy Spirit on them. The word 'pour' suggests overwhelming gush of the Spirit. There is abundance here. If you are thirsty for God, feeling empty, God is ready to pour. If we have tasted a few drops, are we ready for more? Ask for it and receive Him by faith. This blessing is not only for you but for your descendants as well. And the result of this 'pouring' is life. 'They will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses. Don't we want our children and their children to be blessed as such by the Lord?
Friday, November 4, 2011
No weapon that is formed against you will prosper....
Isaiah 54
Isaiah describes many privileges of the children of God here.
v.11-12 prosperity
v.13-14 vanquished fear
v. 15-17 God's protection
"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17
This is a promise given to the church that no weapon (in whatever forms) that is formed against it will prosper. We will have an answer to those who accuse us. This is the inheritance that He has given to us. Victory comes from Him.
Though we may go through difficult times, be comforted by the fact that nothing happens to us without His knowledge and He is in control(Isaiah 54v16 - He is in charge of the blacksmith). This includes the severity of our storms, what people say about us, the hurts, the turmoil and danger...every blow thrown against us..will not prosper. Why? Because when God is in the war with us, no one can be against us.
Isaiah describes many privileges of the children of God here.
v.11-12 prosperity
v.13-14 vanquished fear
v. 15-17 God's protection
"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17
This is a promise given to the church that no weapon (in whatever forms) that is formed against it will prosper. We will have an answer to those who accuse us. This is the inheritance that He has given to us. Victory comes from Him.
Though we may go through difficult times, be comforted by the fact that nothing happens to us without His knowledge and He is in control(Isaiah 54v16 - He is in charge of the blacksmith). This includes the severity of our storms, what people say about us, the hurts, the turmoil and danger...every blow thrown against us..will not prosper. Why? Because when God is in the war with us, no one can be against us.
Spending time with my Lord
I am always struggling to establish a fixed quiet time with God. So, I have decided to blog my quiet times with Him since I am spending so much time online. Before I do anything else, I have pledged to start with reading His word, meditating and writing about it. Prayerfully, this will be the start of a disciplined journey. Often, I am so busy with my life that my devotional time is often quenched. My purpose is always to put Him in the center of my day and to fit my work around Him. The best times spent with God should be before the world comes knocking at my door.
I downloaded BibleExplorer a long time ago. It comes with a Bible, reading plan, concordance, books and many other things. I think it is high time I use it more. For a start, I will use three questions to guide me as I read and ponder over His word.
What does it say?
What does it mean?
How do I respond?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)