Daniel's Faithfulness

(Entry Date : Feb 5th, 2012)

Scripture

Daniel 6: 20b  - The King called to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
Daniel 6:22 - Daniel answered. “My God sent His angel and He shut the mouths of the lions.  They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.  Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.”

Observation

Daniel was a man who put God first.  What inspired me most is his faith!  For the ways he has honored God. He gained favors from the king and got promoted.   His success has therefore invited jealousy from the princes and some officials.  They joined forces to plot a scheme by forcing the king to issue a decree stated that it was illegal to pray to gods or men except the king.  Daniel knew the decree but he did not compromise his faith. 

He continued to kneel and pray to God three times a day. For this reason, he was arrested and put into the lions’ den.  However, God sent His angel to protect him and shut the mouth of the lions.  Daniel came out from the den unharmed.

Application

1. God is still in control and rules over my life.
2. Faith is the key that pleases God.
3. Make prayer a habitual practice of my life.

Prayer

Father, please forgive me as I hardly set aside time to pray daily.  I am often distracted by the surrounding and too occupied with my works.  Lord, may I ask that you will help me to adjust my routine so that I can spend more time to pray and study your word.  I do not want my busyness and distractions to distant our relationship. In spite of such attitude, I still thank you for overseeing my life and favors granted especially at workplace.
I thank you in Jesus’ name, amen!

Thanksgiving & Praises to our Creator

(Entry Date : Mar 6th, 2011)

Scripture

Psalm 100:1-5
1. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2. Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3. Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4. Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Observation

My definition of “SHOUT” in this passage: Sing aloud! God is always longing for an intimate and heart-felt relationship with us! It is not Jews alone but all His creation! We have a GREAT & GOOD GOD! The more we share His goodness, the more people will see and experience it. Together, we sing praises out loud! It is our heart-felt desire to come before God in worship. Psalmist has reminded that as children and servants of God, we are to worship with joy and gladness besides serving. God’s grace and mercy are sufficient enough to provide us an abundant ground to sing praises to Him daily

He created everything including me. He is my shepherd and we are His sheep. Sheep recognize and listen to the shepherd’s voice. It is God who has chosen me to be the sheep of His pasture. The knowledge of God will be my faith to trust God that He will guide me in His path and take care of me. His faithfulness continues through all generations. However, our God is gracious and merciful. It was proven when people were complaining to Moses in the wilderness but He was faithful to provide them food and drinks for forty years. As such, we are reminded by Psalmist that we should not cease to thank God because of His unfailing love and He is faithful to bring us through every circumstance.

Application

1. To establish more desire in worshipping Him in my daily quiet times
2. Praise and give thanks to God in good and bad times
3. Share the good news so that others can hear and experience His goodness

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for choosing me to be the sheep of your pasture. I am grateful of your abundant blessing in my life. I am also thankful in the trials that you brought me through that help me to understand my total dependence on you. Thank you for tasking me which requires my best effort to accomplish your will and purpose with satisfaction and joy! The works of your hands are faithful and just! Let my heart desire to praise you and not just lip alone for you are faithful and trustworthy! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of my wisdom and your love endures forever and ever! In Jesus’ name I pray with thanks, Amen!

Simply About Giving

(Entry Date : Dec 3rd, 2010)

Scripture

Roman 13:8 - Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowmen has fulfilled the law.

Observation

A question was asked: Do we live to eat or eat to live? What is LIFE all about?? Live to work OR Work to live? When it comes to material blessings, do we KEEP it or SHARE it? When Jesus came to the world, He had no real possession. He lived a simple but powerful life here on earth! He spent time travelling, healing the sick and taking care of people’s needs.

When we serve and give, our hearts will be filled with love and compassion for others. In Romans 13:8-14, we are reminded to “love” for the day is near! As God’s blessed people, we are to live in such a way that reflects God's heart and image. In this temporal world, some things are significant such as family, health, etc. But obedience to SERVE and GIVE will please our God most!

Application

Ask God:

* to free me from ungodly burdens.
* to teach me to spend wisely so that I can give to the poor and needy

Prayer

Father, I thank you for all your provision in my life. Please help me to rejoice in doing my part of giving to others. Giving is an act of faith although at times I cannot catch the glimpse of what my 5 loaves and 2 fishes can do for others. Even at times I may be tight financially, but, I still want to trust that you are faithful to carry me through day by day. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

B.I.B.L.E

(Entry Date : Sep 10th, 2010)

Scripture

Psalm 119:93- I will never forget your PRECEPTS, for by them You have PRESERVED my life.

Observation

WARNING: Please read this instruction booklet before operating it! As Christians, our MANUAL is the BIBLE. We are to read and meditate on the Word written if we want to know and understand God’s plan and will for us. For all things can change but not His Word! God’s ordinances still govern all things.

Like Babies, crave pure spiritual milk to grow in our salvation. - 1 Peter 2:2
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth -
Psalm 119:103
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight
- Jerermiah 15:16
Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life - John 4:14b

Other additional teachings in the Bible include Love, forgiveness, marriage, parentin,g, friendship, Stewardship, Leadership, just to name a few.

Application

I will discipline myself to invest time reading and meditating on the Word of God regularly and to attend more equipping classes to help me to go in deep in His word. May God help me to apply His word especially when doing outreach.

Prayer

Father, Your word is living and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart. So I pray that this book of the law shall not depart from my mouth, but I shall meditate on it day and night, so that I may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then I will make my way prosperous, and then I will have success. Halleluiah! In Jesus’ name I pray and give thanks. Amen!

Trouble Grows, We Grow

(Entry Date : May 15th, 2010)

Scripture

Roman 8:28 - And we know that in allthings God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Observation

So, what holds, or has held, you back, or a captive, in your life experience?

Application

Surrender is not the bes way but the only way. There is a moment of surrender & there is a practise of surrender which is moment by moment and it is life-long!” Trust God that He will turn all troubles out all for the best.

Prayer

Father, when I am choked by troubles, I ask you to help me to fix my eyes and my heart on you. For your way and your thoughts are the highest which you have declared. Free my burdened heart when I am worry. Strengthen me while I am embracing adversity and experiencing the pain, I will grow to know that Roman 8:28 is still in the book. I give all thanks in Jesus’ name, amen!

Christian Leadership

(Entry Date : March 28th, 2010)

Scripture

Hebrews 13:17a - “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.”

Observation

Jesus Christ has modeled the most perfect leadership. Amen! It is therefore important for a leader to be watchful and accountable in everything he does. It involves understanding, following and applying values of Christ in every aspects of their lives in the marketplace and wherever they might be. A leader’s role to lead well can be very challenging. It is a long-term commitment and involves a lifelong learning journey. I find it especially important especially for emerging and young leaders in church ministry.

The role of a leader requires right spirit, attitudes and behavior in the following areas:

Ministry: - Visualize and act purposefully with church vision and mission so that the team can work together to achieve the goal. Collaboration will help in ministry growth if a leader listens patiently to each member’s views and ideas.
Cell: - Observe the strengths and weaknesses of members in the team to get the best out of everyone.

Application

I will ask God for wisdom to carry out the above diligently and that He will bind the hearts of every cell members together as one to fulfill His will.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray for authenticity in sharing the appropriate word each time in the weekly cell meeting. Help us to edify one another through Your Word. We want to apply what we learned and carry out Your will in Your way. In Jesus’ name, amen!

The Beauty Of Consistency & Contentment

(Entry Date : November 15th, 2009)

Scripture

Philippians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Observation

Don't let unhealthy habits or procrastination spill over into our spiritual running. God mobilises us for His purpose. We are to cultivate consistent habit and effort of steadiness and strength in this lifelong spiritual race. By adopting the consistent attitude and discipline, we can then approach life in which we strive to become aware of God's presence and be contented in everything God has given. In Philippians 4, I see not only Paul’s contentment but a salute to the beauty of his consistency in the Lord. He received all things with gratitude and used for the good cause to glorify Jesus. Paul is a real and best example for Christians. If only our daily life is about a deeper connection with God, we have no fear of becoming empty, weary or tired. We know our life belong to God. We are part of His creation and we will inherit the real joy of living and blessedness in God’s eternal kingdom. Let’s walk out from the life’s burden and focus on God for our needs. Be thankful and rejoice always like what Paul did!

Ultimately, we press on for the day that Jesus will raise us up on His return to receive the eternal rewards. For He is the author and finisher of our faith! Amen!

Application

Contentment is to rest and rejoice in Christ. Adopt consistent attitude and discipline in the spiritual race for what God has called me for His work

Prayer

Dear Father, I come before you to commit all my concerns and worries to you. You are my God and I ask you to fill me with a deep joy today. I want to love you with all my heart. Help me to be consistent in obeying and doing your will. Thank you that you have promised that if I trust, delight and commit, you will give me the desires of my heart. In Jesus name, amen!

We Pray, God Works

(Entry Date : July 12th, 2009)

Scripture

1 Timothy 2:1 - I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.

Observation

Prayer can be a chore which something that we should do but never get around to doing it.  We are constantly surrounded with stress, tensions, disappointments, pain, sicknesses, etc.  As Christians, we will encounter spiritual warfare doing God’s will.  Finding time can be a great challenge and an excuse not to pray.  At times, we don’t even know how and what to pray for our loved ones and others.  The devil often then use our weaknesses to discourage us from connecting to God. God knows our weaknesses and has graciously provided the Holy Spirit to be a praying partner in any circumstances.  The Spirit provides strength and enables us to pray.  However, our Creator has created us to be mutually dependant and to support one another.   He will also appoint and send mediator to pray for one another’s needs. Prayers connect us to God.  When we pray, God listens and answers.  There will then be vibrant testimonies of our relationship with the living God. Let’s encourage one another to enter into God’s sanctuary and intercede for one another as we recognise the presence of the Living God in our midst.

Application

* Examine my prayers to ensure no selfish motives or desires
* Accompany my prayers with praise, love and thanksgiving to the  Lord even though answers may not be in sight.
 * To glorify God as I pray according to His will.

Prayer

Father, please teach me to put first thing first when I come to you in prayer.  Enable me to focus on the greatness of Your work in me and the needs of others.  In Jesus’ name, amen!

Parental Role

(Entry Date : March 7th, 2009)

Scripture

Luke 17:10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have done our duty.”

Observation

<Pro 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it>

Parenting is a challenging task.  I have been using my own way and understanding in managing my children.  However, after few heartbreak experiences, I have now learned to surrender them to the Lord.  I am thankful because it draws me closer to God and also increases my faith and trust that in Him, nothing is impossible.

Parents are responsible for their children’s spiritual growth.  Therefore, adopting positive parenting attitudes is important as it reveals God’s image.  Children are like water pouring into containers of different sizes and shapes.  Similarly, God created us differently.  Ultimately, there is one thing he wants to see in us - Image of Christ.

In the same way, God has entrusted us to prepare the hearts of our children for the Savior.   We are instruments used by God to keep a tender heart and to obey God.   When children obey us, we are preparing them to obey Jesus by surrendering themselves to the Lord.

So, do not ask for credit or boast of what we have done; instead consider it a duty that we have to fulfill for God.  Let’s do it faithfully and trust His name to be glorified!

Application

1. Point the children to God for dependence of their needs
2. Ask God for wisdom and understanding of spiritual growth in bring up my children.
3. Ask God to deliver us from worldly temptation and false teaching from my children
4. Do not exasperate our children but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4)

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for entrusting both Gerald and Clement to us.  Teach us, oh Lord, to train and equip them with Your Words.  Give me positive words when I discipline them  so that they will listen and obey us in the Lord.  I ask for your Holy Spirit’s protection from temptation or false teaching that will cause them to stray from you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!
 

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Scripture

Mark 14:9 –I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Observation

Jesus commended the woman for the following when she poured an alabaster jar of expensive perfume which made of pure nard on His head:

-              She has done a beautiful thing to me

This was an act of consecration, love and honour to Jesus.  It also has shown the world that Jesus is King

-              She did what she could….

What she has in mind was only Jesus and not the profit that she could make by selling the perfume.   She reserved the best for Him (alabaster jar and pure nard).

(She was rebuked by others for wasting the perfume and could have sold for some profit to help the poor and needy)

-              Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.

Her good work will be made known to the world.  Life never ended at the cross but continues after the resurrection.

Application

• Always remain true and devoted to Jesus as this will be pleasing and honoring Him without any earthly intention.  Nothing is wasted which is spent for Christ.

• Do not worry about what others thought of my actions in doing good things for God.

• Acts of reverence to the Lord does not excuse me from helping the poor and needy.

It is a form of appreciation and love shown to Jesus for His grace and mercy to me.

 

Prayer

Lord, I’m sorry that my love for you has grown cold because my life is so occupied by routine earthly tasks. Help me to live wisely with your guidance so that my life will not live in waste.  In whatever thing I do, I want to do it for you so that you are pleased and wanting to let you know that I love you too.  Amen!