Christ, Our Example
(Entry Date : June 29th, 2009)
Scripture
1 Corinthians 11:1 - Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Observation
How many of us sitting here is confident to make such statement? Well, Paul did it! He not just wrote most of the letters in the N.T but lived them out.
The letters Paul wrote must have birth from his walk with Jesus at different journey in his life. The Scriptures we had today might very well have been part of his journal as the Holy Spirit directs.
What is the secret to Paul’s success? I believe the secret of Paul’s is very simple, he just followed the example of Christ and called us to do the same.
Application
”If Paul can follow Christ’s example, I can do it also. Challenges will certainly come when I set my heart and mind to fully follow Christ. But I must not allow them to side tract me as I fixed my eyes on the Lord.
Prayer
Lord give me the courage and strength to follow you. Help me fix my eyes on you and not be distracted by temporal things on earth.
How To Become Rich
(Entry Date : November 8th, 2009)
Scripture
Luke 12:15 - Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Observation
This warning was issued by Jesus to the crowd while he was addressing an
incident that took place between two brothers over the division of inheritance. Jesus used the parable of the rich fool as an illustration. He warned them to be on guard against ‘all kinds of greed’, but focus specifically on possessions. Out of the so many possible kinds of greed, why did Jesus singled out on wealth and possessions? Probably because nothing clogs our spiritual arteries more quickly than money, wealth or possessions; either working to have a lot of it or wishing that we had. This man had a wonderful opportunity to ask the spiritual guru a question or an opportunity to go deep in conversation with Jesus, but he wanted deep pockets instead.
Application
Jesus is not against the possession of wealth, riches or money. He warns us to be on guard against being possessed by them instead possessing them. Abraham, Job and King David were classic examples of men who were rich spiritually and at the same time possessing great wealth. Let us learn from them as we allow the Holy Spirit to clear our clogged spiritual arteries.
Prayer
Lord renew our mind daily with heavenly perspectives that we may learn
contentment in all circumstances. Remind us each day to live like aliens and strangers in this world and that our true home is when we meet you face to face.
Perfect Response
Scripture
Acts 16:25 - About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Observation
We all knew very well what had happened to Paul and Silas before they were praying and singing hymns. Yes, they have just been attacked by the crowd, severely flogged, thrown in prison and being placed in the inner cell with their feet being chained in the stocks for casting out a spirit from a slave girl. About midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God!
In the natural, their circumstance seems hopeless, depressing and bleak. Yet they choose to respond supernaturally with a different attitude by adopting prayer and praise. They did not pity themselves and put the blame on God for what had happened. On the contrary their faith and hope were anchored on God. They eventually witnessed a miracle leading to salvation of the jailer and his entire family!
Application
I may not fully understand God’s plan when trials, temptations, persecution, injustice and problems comes my way. However, my response should be that of Paul and Silas choosing to put our hope and trust in the almighty Creator God who certainly had everything in control. Be patient, the great trials with great prayer and praise will eventually experience great deliverance and miracle! The Lord will deliver.
Prayer
Father, help me learn the power of a perfect response: praying and praising You in the midst of trials. May you grant me the strength so I may respond in prayer and praise regardless of my circumstances, learning to worship and surrender my life to You because we know You love us.