The Way To Live

(Entry Date : Oct 16th, 2011)

Scripture

Colossians 3 : 23 – 24 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Observation

1) Paul emphasized the Rules for Holy Living & Rules for Christian Households. As we are all saved by the grace of God & Christ who lives in us will result in changes within the home and the way we live (such as our attitude towards our work).
2) There ought to be critical differences between the secular and Christian worlds and between their codes for family conduct. This is because God has an influence over our life (be it our attitudes, values or outlook in life)!
3) It is comforting to know from verse 24 that God has His own way of rewarding honorable and faithful work.
4) And so when we know who we are serving or working for, it will change the way we think and act. Hearty workers on earth will be rewarded by His generous Master in heaven. Only a son could be an heir of God (Galatians 4:7). Thus, the slave on earth is recognized as a son in heaven.

Application

These 2 verses draw me back to focus on God, that He is the one whom I serve. He is the boss and He sees and takes care of everything!

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for putting me where I am. Help me do all things with joy and without any murmur. And also to remember that this is the way You want me to live because You are in-charge of everything in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

A Heart's Prayer

(Entry Date : May 29th, 2011)

Scripture

Ps 86:11 -Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Observation

David, in this prayer,
1) Gives glory to God (v. 8-10, 12, 13).
2) Seeks grace and favor from God, that God would hear his prayers                            
(v. 1, 6, 7), preserve and save him, and be merciful to him, that He would
give him joy, and grace, and strength (v. 4, 11, 17).
3) He pleads God's goodness (v. 5, 15) and the malice of his enemies (v. 14).
David raises his very soul up to God, away from everything that might steal
his affections.  David prays for an undivided heart, in order to give all of it to
God in his praise.

Application

1. Learn to lift up my soul to God and come before Him in complete self
   abandon (full surrender).
2. Empty myself so that I might know the greatness of God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for showing me that I can learn to seek You at your throne of grace.  That whatever situation I am now in, I can learn to fix my eyes on You and trust You completely.  In Jesus Name, Amen!

The Lost Coin

(Entry Date : Feb 20th, 2011)

Scripture

Luke 15 :10 - In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Observation

The lady made a diligent effort to search for the lost coin & didn’t stop until she found it. The coin was so valuable to her, she must find it at all cost! In this parable, the sinner is likened as the lost coin. It gives us a glimpse of what the Lord will take delight in. God seeks sinners & rejoices when they are found. He is not willing for any sinner to be away from Him: “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3 : 9).

Once the woman has found her coin, she calls her friends & neighbours to share the good news.

Similarly, Jesus used this story to illustrate that each sinner is special to God; so when a sinner repents & is restored to fellowship with God, it is a cause for rejoicing. This is the whole plan of salvation; this is why Christ came.

Application

Hard to figure out this: why the lady can spend so much time & effort searching for just 1 lost coin??? After finding it, she can even spend hours talking to her friends about it??? This is really so trivial in our modern context!!! Similarly during the male chauvinist attitude of the Jewish society in Jesus’ day, men considered it somewhat silly how women can get so excited over such a small matter!
Sadly, the value of repentance is often trivialized… Until… a practical lesson is learnt! My own experience with the search for my lost keys... Remember the lost & do something about it before it is too late!

Prayer

Dear God, please forgive me that many times I just take you for granted. Sometimes I am too comfortable, not feeling the urgency to reach out to the lost & do what you are doing. Forgive me, dear Father. Please renew & restore in me your passion for the lost. In Jesus’ most Precious Name, I pray. Amen!

Shepherd Of My Life

(Entry Date : Nov 19th, 2010)

Scripture

Psalm 23:1 - The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Observation

David, in this Psalm, is speaking from the perspective of a sheep. Psalm 23 is divided into 2 sections. 1st part (v.1 to 4): explores the image of God as Shepherd. A good Shepherd provides, protects and guides His sheep (Jn 10:1-21). David spoke from his own experience that God would lead him through this trouble to a place of rest and refreshment. David tells us that to have God (who is all-knowing, all-powerful, & all-caring) as our Shepherd is enough and with Him, we need nothing else (Ps 73:25-26). The rod & staff are token’s of shepherd’s presence. He uses them to guide his sheep and ward off ravenous beasts that infested the pasturelands. As in life, we often go through difficult times – we need not be overcome with fear as the Shepherd is with us and powerful enough to protect us from danger! In the 2nd part (v.5-6), David is invited to partake in a meal & the Lord God is the host of this extravagant banquet. Even among enemies, David had complete confidence: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” He fully understood the promises of God’s blessings and protections. David is describing the joy of being in a personal relationship with God - a relationship that has no end, “Surely goodness & mercy (loving kindness) shall follow me all the days of my life, & I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (v.6).

Application

Allow God to be the Shepherd of my life! I need not fear what is going to happen tomorrow, because I know God is in control. God has given us that inner peace of our heart & mind, if only we take hold of it. What matters most is WHO we have in our lives & not what we have in our lives! Trusting God as the good & faithful Shepherd and rejoice in His grace. We are here to enjoy our relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Prayer

Dear God, please forgive me for the many times I did not trust you enough and become overwhelmed with problems and situations in my life. Thank you Lord for showing through the living example of David, that You are the Shepherd of my life! I desire to have a personal & deep relationship with You, to rejoice in Your grace so that goodness & mercy follow me all the days of my life, & I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In the most wonderful Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen! 

Who's Who

(Entry Date : July 23rd, 2010)

Scripture

1 Corinthians : 3 : 7 - So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Observation

Paul used agricultural imagery to portray the dynamic process of evangelism.
Crops do not simply “happen”—reaping a harvest is the outcome of a lengthy series of events that cannot be bypassed or overlooked. Unless the ground is cleared and plowed it will not be ready to receive the seed.
God the Father is the Gardener and the church is the garden.
God does invite us to participate in His purposes by being a part of what His Spirit is accomplishing in the lives of people.

Application

While our desire is to see our friends come to Christ (the harvest), we can be assured that whether we are involved in preparing, sowing, watering, or reaping, we are part of that process. There should not be any favoritism shown on one area over another because God is the one who gives the increase ultimately. Allow God to do the transformation work in our lives.      

Prayer

Dear God, may you help me to appreciate the different gifts you have given to each of us and also the church ministers, and that there should not be any comparisons made between them.  Help me to know that one that planteth and the other that watereth are one and employed by you for the very same purpose in promoting the purposes of your glory, and the salvation of precious souls. 

Cultivate A Heart Of Contentment

(Entry Date : May 2nd, 2010)

Scripture

Philippians 4 :12 – 13—I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Observation

Paul has learned to live in prosperity. He also learned how to be content during times of hunger, suffering and when in need. Paul could handle any situation that God had placed him because he found the strength from God. He was confident that nothing can come into his life without God’s notice, be it good or bad and that he need not be fearful. Paul’s trust in God showed a great degree of contentment.

Application

Paul was determined that he would be fully satisfied no matter what the Lord gave to him in any situation. Paul’s life is a living example for me to learn about contentment in God’s provision and to trust Him in everything because He has promised that He will never forsake us.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, may you help me cultivate a heart of contentment like Paul, that I will be thankful for all the good things you have given in my life and not to covet worldly possessions that has no lasting value. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!

The Holy Communion

(Entry Date : February 7th, 2010)

Scripture

1 Cor 11:24-26—And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Observation

Jesus told us to observe the Holy Communion. We are to obey his commands.
In observing Communion, we are remembering Christ and all that He has done for us in his life, death and resurrection.
When observing Communion, we take time to examine ourselves.
In observing Communion, we are proclaiming His death until He comes.
When we observe Communion, we show our participation in the body of Christ. His life becomes our life and we become members of each other.

Application

1. May God help me to remember how much he has suffered for my transgressions not only on the day of communion but everyday of my life.

2. Ask God to help me remember that he will be coming back so that I can be prepared for His coming.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for what you have done and most importantly your great love to me. You have done so much for me, so please help me to be ever ready for your coming. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!

Complete Surrender

Scripture

Mark 14:36 - "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

Observation

• Jesus knew what was coming ahead of him. He was not afraid. He prepared himself by praying and seeking His father’s face.

• Jesus was brave and courageous. He chose to do the will of His father even at the point of his coming death.

• He spent the remaining hours (before his death) with his disciples.

• He wanted his disciples to learn to watch and pray.

• He demonstrated complete or full submission to God.

 

Application

• May God help me to surrender myself so that I can do His will.

• Ask God to help me yield to Him so that I can fulfill His purpose and calling for me.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love and sending your only Son to die for me. Thank you for the blood of Jesus that has cleansed me of my sins. Indeed, Jesus has showed me what is full submission to Him. Dear God, may you help me to learn from Jesus that in whatever I do, help me to seek your face and know your will. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen!