Exodus 4 - 7 (31st Jan)

I really thank God for everyone of you who contributed to the devotion for the last few days when I was not around. God bless all of you and His hands is upon you.

Exodus 4
Moses received his call from the Lord. His destiny was revealed to him, but he was afraid. God then asked Moses what was in his hand and he replied "A staff". With that God assured him with 2 miracles, turning his staff into snake (v 3, 4) and turning his hand to leprous and back to normal (v 7, 8). I don't know why he really still afraid. If i really got chance to be a burning bush, my walking stick turning to snake and my hands like snow, I will be awed and follow without asking.

Then Moses also afraid he can't speak well (v 10), and God assured him that He will help him to speak and will teach him what to say (v.11). I really need this from the Lord. Many times I asked the Lord to help me in my speech. You too can ask from the Lord in your speech and may it be words of encouragement and affirmation that comes forth from your mouth.

Hey people, each time if God calls you, be obedient to the call. God was angry with Moses (v 14) because after God assured him so many times, he was still reluctant to walk in the destiny until God had to send Aaron to accompany Moses (v 15).

Exodus 5
"Let my people go" this is the word that God commanded Moses to bring to Pharaoh. God wanted the Israelites to be free so they could worship the Lord (v 1). God knows the cry of the hearts of the Israelites and God sent Moses to the rescue. But the Israelites were angry because it made them suffered even more because Pharaoh said they were lazy.

2 things you can learn from here:
1. God wants us to be free and worship Him
2. Be a warrior of light in your workplace or school. Continue to shine. Do not allow people to say that you are lazy. Do your best even you felt unjustified.

That was what happened to the Israelites. They will feeling unjustified and lots of unsatisfaction and they blame the prophet of God for their suffering.

Exodus 6
God promised Moses that He will deliver the people out of Egypt. You can ask the Lord to free you from bondage and He will :-

1. Bring you out from under the yoke of bondages (v6)
2. Free you from slaves to sin (v6)
3. Redeem you with His outstretched arm (v6)
4. Take you as His own child (v7)
5. He will be our Father (v7)

So this day, make this your prayers. especially we are entering into Sanctification Week. May the Lord sanctify you and set you free. May His hands be upon your life. God bless.

Exodus 1 - 3 (30th Jan) - Meijin

Exodus 1 ~ 3

Exodus is a book of deliverance.
Liberation from slavery.
Our God who remembers our cries.
Our God who groomed the shepherd to be the Prince of Egypt.
Our covenant keeping God.

Observation:
- Exodus records how God protected the Israelites. Pharaoh enslaved and oppressed the Israelites, but they still multiplied. To control the Jewish population, Pharaoh planned to kill newborn Hebrew males. But the Hebrew midwives stayed loyal to God and refused to obey Pharaoh. In turn, we read from verse 20 that “So God was good to the midwives”

- Moses, who saved the Hebrews from bondage, was born and raised under extraordinary circumstances. Son of a Hebrew slave, he became a member of the Egyptians and fled to the desert, where God prepared him for his future role

Inspiration:
- If we are faithful, we will persevere and overcome the challenges placed before us. God will not abandon us in tough times, and we should not abandon Him. [God says in Exodus 3:16~17 – I have been watching closely, and I see how the Egyptians are treating you. I have promised to rescue you from your oppression in Egypt. I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey..”]

- Perfect timing of God [Exodus 2:25 – “He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act”] Our covenant-keeping God truly intervenes in His perfect timing.

Application:
- How do you respond when the going gets tough?
- Remember, God hears our needs and answers prayers in the manner that will help us, serve His will, and often surprise us.
- Trust God in prayer right now for His special guidance today. Perhaps He can do something with the common.

Genesis 48 - 50 (29th Jan) - Karen

Summary of events (Gen 48-50)

The book of Genesis closes with the following events:

- Jacob blesses the sons of Joseph at his deathbed
- Jacob’s prophecy concerning his sons
- Death of Jacob and burial of Jacob
- Joseph reassures his brothers
- The death of Joseph

Here are a few learnings that strike me from reading the biographies of Jacob and Joseph in Gen 48-50.

1. God works in unexpected ways. (Gen 48: 8-20)

Jacob gave the younger son of Joseph, Ephraim, the greater blessing instead of Manasseh. Despite Joseph’s objections, Jacob was led by God to bestow the greater blessing to Ephraim.

From this we can see that God, in His blessings upon His people, gives more to some than to others, more gifts, more of the good things in life.

Also, we see that He often gives most to those who are least likely. He chooses the weak things of the world instead. When God chooses people to fill his plans, he goes deeper than position or tradition.

**God can use you to carry out His plans, even if you don’t think you have all it takes!**

2. Our past affects our present and future (Gen 49)

From Jacob’s prophecy over his sons, we can learn that the way the 12 men lived played an important part in their blessing and prophecy Jacob released over each on of them.

For example, the oldest son, Reuben, was supposed to receive a double inheritance, as it was his birthright blessing. However, he was unstable in his youth and committed the sin of sleeping with one of his father’s concubines. Hence Jacob withheld the birthright blessing to him.

For every action, there is a consequence. Our actions today will be part of our past. Yet this will already have a part to play in shaping our future.

**What action(s) can we choose or avoid so that our future can be shaped positively?**

3. Be patient, and trust in God. (Gen 50: 15-21)

After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers were afraid that Joseph might take revenge on them for selling him into slavery. But Joseph surprised them by not only forgiving them but reassured them and offered to care for them. Joseph’s forgiveness was complete.

Joseph learnt from the experiences that God brings from evil for those who trust Him. Even by the sins of men God’s infinite wisdom is able to overrule events.

**Do we trust God enough to wait patiently for Him to bring good out of bad situations?**

Genesis 46 - 47 (28th Jan) - Madeline

For the 2 chapters, I'll like to zoom into the character traits of Joseph, which we can learn from.

1)Joseph honours his parents

Genesis 47:11-12 "Joseph gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Ramses, as Pharaoh had commanded and sustained his father and his brothers with food."

Joseph brought much happiness to Jacob in his final 17 years of life, by uniting him with the rest of the family. We should honour our parents, which includes material ways of caring.


2)Integrity of Joseph

Gen 47:14 " And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house."

Amid such heaps of money, the opportunity of plundering was super difficult to avoid. But whatever Joseph collected, he brought into the house of the king. It was integrity, to keep the hands pure amidst such heaps of gold. Joseph feared the Lord.

3) Wisdom of Joseph

Joseph was a Shepherd. Nope, he did not have a dip nor degree in business admin / Political Science. Yet, he governed the people in wisdom. By the end of the famine, most of the land became state-owned. And the people paid 20% tax to the Pharaoh!
No force nor threats had reduced the Egyptians to this necessity. Joseph transacted the king's business faithfully; and fulfilled the duties of his office, without resorting to violent edicts.

Let's fear the Lord and keep our integrity. May the Lord give us wisdom to govern,lead and administer... in our ministry, our school and the market place.... wherever God has and will place us. Amen!

Genesis 43 - 45 (27th Jan) - Weiling

Genesis 43 – 45
I won’t be summarizing the chapters since I assume you are already reading the bible chapters for yourself :) but I shall share about some of the points that strike me.

On Favoritism
All 10 brothers were sent on the first trip up to Egypt for food. Jacob/ Israel did not send Benjamin as “he was afraid that harm might come to him”. (Chp 42: 3, 4) [It seems like Benjamin’s life was a little bit more precious than theirs to Jacob] Upon their return, they discovered that their money had been returned to their sacks. If they went back to Egypt again, they might be accused to be thieves! Jacob refused to let them bring Benjamin down to get Simeon back as he was afraid of losing him as well, “his brother is dead and he is the only one left”. [Recap: Joseph and Benjamin were the 2 sons Jacob had with Rachel, the wife he loved.] It was only when i) they ran out of food and ii) Judah promised to guarantee Benjamin’s safety and bear all responsibility that Jacob allowed them to bring Benjamin along on their 2nd trip to Egypt.

Favoritism – we can’t control the affections of another person. It was very clear who Jacob favored – Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin. In Gen 29:31, it says “When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren”. God loved Leah and her sons. And I think God has a soft spot for the forgotten, the weak and the unloved. Sometimes we think it’s always the strong ones or the talented ones who gets picked. I used to think that Joseph would be in Jesus’ genealogy since he’s the hero of the story. But guess what? God chose to give the honor to Judah. (Matt 1: 3) What did Judah do?

What made him so special? But it’s really not about how smart a person is or what he does. We don’t have to strive for God’s love and acceptance. Read the child-bearing competition between Leah and Rachel in Gen 29 & 30 again to see how the women named their sons and fought for glory, honor and their husband’s affections. With Judah, Leah chose to simply praise God –“This time I will praise the Lord” (Gen 29: 35).

God’s perfect plan
It is not clearly stated why Joseph did not immediately reveal his identity to his brothers. Perhaps after his brothers tried to do harm to him in Chp 37, Joseph was not sure if he can fully trust them and thus decided to observe them further. But I do not think it was out of hatred or anger either. In fact, Joseph forgave them and asked that they “not be grieved or angry” with themselves Gen 45: 5. Joseph had gone through some very difficult times; and when he faced his brothers again, many a times his emotions overwhelmed him and he had to turn away to weep. (Gen 42: 24; 43: 30; 45: 1-2, 14-15) He was rejected, his brothers tried to do harm to him. He tried to do what was right, but was wrongly accused of sexual harassment and thrown into jail.

He was forgotten by the cup-bearer and spent two years prison before things took a significant turn for the better. There were probably many questions; many things that didn’t make sense at that point of time. But Joseph chose to look to God and trust Him. Finally, there was meaning in his suffering. (Gen 45: 5-8) If he was not sold to Egypt, if he had not interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, if he did not have favor… he would not have been able to help his family. It did not mean God caused the brothers to hate him and want to kill him, but that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”(Rom 8: 28) All things are beautifully interwoven into God’s plan.

Even if you may not understand the things you are going through right now, trust in Him who loves you and makes all things beautiful in His time.

Genesis 41 - 42 (26th Jan) - Pauleon

Genesis 41
We have been reading about Joseph the Dreamer's journey yesterday. Today, the story starts off at the part where Joseph was left in the prison by the forgetful cupbearer (wa Pharoah so 'nuah', need someone hold cup for him even. Haha)

It's amazing how Joseph, who is always ready and always willing to do God's will. Imagine how Joseph, after being betrayed and sent to prison, and after interpreting dreams for the cupbearer, was all ready to be rescued. Day after day he would wake up thinking "will the cupbearer come today?" but nooo he doesn't for 2 years!! 2 years!! Will you have the patience to wait 2 years for God to work in your life? Are you walking Joseph's journey, waiting, and waiting? Then let Joseph's life speak to you, for here lies a man of tenacity (though a bit loudmouth and "haolian" when he was young.. hehe). Wait on God, and pray until something happens.

Notice also how he always points back to God in verse 16. "I cannot do it...but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." How many a times do we take credit for things we think we did but actually it is and always will be God behind it all.

Reading on, we hear about how wonderful it all turns out. Joseph becomes governor of Egypt! Second only to the Pharaoh. And what wisdom God has given Joseph.

Genesis 42
Here, Joseph's childhood dream is fulfilled (his brother bowed before him). It is with great cunning and wit that Joseph decided not to reveal his true identity to his brothers first. I believed at this point Joseph had already put the past behind him and had already forgave his brothers. He was not out to deceive his brothers out of anger or hurt. We see in verses 21-22 his brothers were saying they are being punished for what they did to Joseph. The repentance they expressed touched Joseph.

Now turn your attention to Jacob. Imagine how he felt when his sons returned! Simeon was taken in Egypt! After losing his beloved Joseph so many years ago he was surely devastated. He decided not to follow what Joseph told his sons to do, afraid of losing his youngest and dearest son. We shall follow their journey in tomorrow's reading, which I believe most of you are anticipating!

Genesis 38 - 40 (25th Jan) - Kelvin

GENESIS 38
The sons of Judah were evil in the eyes of the Lord and were put to death. Judah himself had sinned against the Lord too when he visited a prostitute after the death of his wife. He did not know that the prostitute was his daughter-in-law and when everything was revealed eventually, he paid a heavy price for a lesson learnt and I can sense his guilt and shame for what he had done.
Therefore, brothers & sisters, “Be watchful over yourselves because the evil one is always out there waiting to shame us and strike us down.”

GENESIS 39 & 40
Joseph was deeply blessed by the Lord even though he was rejected and sent away by his own brothers. The Lord’s favor was with him and even Potiphar can see it himself and decided to entrust all his things to Joseph. Unfortunately, Joseph was tested on his faithfulness to God and despite withstanding all the temptations set by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph was persecuted for his righteousness by the evil plans set by Potiphar’s wife.

Thanks be to God that even when in prison, Joseph found favor in the eyes of the prison warden and was again, entrusted with everything possible. Can you imagine yourself serving your sentence in the prison and the warden becomes your friend and asked you to take care of every matter and allow you to do anything you want in the prison? I think I would not feel as though I am a prisoner but a staff of the prison instead!

God’s anointing was also with Joseph. He was able to interpret the dreams by 2 of the inmates and what amazed me here was when Joseph daringly told the chief baker that he was going to die in 3 days with birds feeding on his flesh. Such was the level of negativity in the words of Joseph but he knew it was not from him but from God! The Lord says to those of you who have the fear of releasing word but if you know that it is from the Lord, do not be afraid to say it to your brothers & sisters in Christ.

Lastly, I have a summary verse for these 3 chapters. It is found in
Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of their righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The Lord wants us to endure hardships along the way in our journey with Him and do what is right even when the world is against us.

Genesis 35 - 37 (24th Jan) - Ivy

GENESIS 35

Jacob’s sons got into trouble by standing up for their sister. God spoke to Jacob and said ‘Go up to Bethel and settle there…’ Bethel means house of God. So Jacob recognized the voice of God whom spoke while he fled from his brother. Jacob obeyed God and told all the women and children whom Simeon and Levi brought back from the Canaanites and Perizzites to ‘get rid of their foreign God’ they have with them, purify themselves and change their clothes.

Pause for reflection: Have you ever heard people say ‘Why you Christians so ‘selfish’ worship only one God?’ I was only able to answer this question after knowing God from the Old Testament. We can see that this characteristic of God is consistent throughout the entire bible. God requires us to worship Him only (no other gods) and to purify ourselves by surrendering their old self for new (change their clothes). My answer to the above question is, God is our God of all, provide ‘one-stop service’, like hypermarket everything can get, why do we need to ‘shop around’?

Is it time to surrender other ‘gods’ (habits/sins)? Have you been shopping around and seeking answers from other sources and not God?

The women and child from Canaanites and Perizzites obeyed and gave up their foreign God and Jacob had them buried under ‘oak at Shehem’. Notice this verse ‘Then they set out, and the terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.’ As they surrendered their foreign gods, God intervened and protected them from harm. So cool!

Again, it was mentioned ‘it was there (Bethel) that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother’. Seems like Jacob had his encounter with God at Bethel. Fell in love with God there. Where and when did you fall in love with God?

God gave Jacob a new name. Instead of being called the deceiver, he is now called Israel which means ‘he struggles with God’. God also begun His personal relationship with Jacob and confirm from this chosen son of Issac the covenant promises made to Abraham in (17:1-8). God once again told Jacob to be fruitful and multiply. Just like what pronounced in the beginning (Gen 1:28) and to Noah after the flood (Gen9:1,7) God’s blessing on the human race would be fulfilled in the through Jacob and his offerings.

Then Jacob went drinking (lim jiu) and fellowship with God. So intimate!

Rachel then died at child birth and name her son Ben-Oni which means son of my trouble. But his father named him ‘son of my right hand’ or ‘son of the south’. Good choice. Reminds me of Jabez.

Summary of Jacob’s sons (total 12):

Leah bore 6 sons with Jacob: Reuben (first born), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun.
Rachel bore 2 sons with Jacob: Joseph and Benjamin.
Rachel and Leah’s maid servant each bore Jacob 2 sons : Dan, Naphtali, Gad & Asher.
Issac lived 180 years and Esau and Jacob buried him.

GENESIS 36

Summary of Esau family
- 5 wives
- 5 sons (not all wives gave birth)
- God also blessed Esau that ‘heir possessions were too great for them to remain together; the land where they were staying could not support them both because of their livestock’
- I was trying to count the grandsons….lost count. Someone can volunteer to do the maths. =P

Notice 36:11 Eliphaz Teman. One of Job’s friend was named Eliphaz and Temanite (Job2:11) and Job himself was from the land of Uz. Thus Job probably lived in Edom.

So okay…a lot of names…. Chapter 36 ended with ‘Esau the father of the Edomites’.

GENESIS 37

Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son. Tell tales on his brothers. ‘Howe lian’ or low EQ?

In his generation he represented Israel (more than others) – as a people who struggled with both God and human and overcame and as a source of blessing to the nations. It is moreover through the life of Joseph that the covenant family in Canaan becomes an emerging nation in Egypt, thus setting the stage for Exodus.

Joseph innocently told his dream to his siblings and caused them to be upset and unhappy. Sounds arrogant to me. But he got rebuked by his dad the 2nd time ‘his father rebuked him and said, "What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?" 11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.’ - A hint that Jacob later recalled Joseph’s dreams when events brought about their fulfillment.

Joseph’s brothers plot against him. They wanted to kill him initially but Reuben tries to rescue him. As big brother (firstborn) he probably felt he should be responsible. So they tore Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped his clothes in the blood. The brothers then took the stained robe to bluff their daddy that their brother was eaten by a ferocious animal. If it were today, with forensic science, they will need to be smarter hor?

This part is drama. Picture this:
Jacob TORE his clothes and put on the uncomfortable sack cloth. He also refused to be comforted by his sons and daughters. He wept for Joseph. This shows that he is really really upset.

Meanwhile, Joseph is being sold to Potiphar (or popiah?). The people of Arabian Desert were long involved in international slave trade. Mai zhu zai. From favouritism with daddy to being slave, see how Joseph overcame all obstacles later.

Genesis 32 - 34 (23rd Jan) - James

Genesis 32

“Determination? Or is it determination to trust God that matters most?”

If there’s one thing I admire about Jacob, it has to be his determination. This was a man that was found pulling his brother Esau’s leg on the way out as he was born, as if desiring to ‘come out first’ or ‘be no 1’. Here was the same man putting another 7 years of hard work to earn the hand of a bride he was promised initially, never mind that 1st promise turned out to be false.

Now this same man stands in the wilderness carrying everything he owned with him, determined to survive the wrath of the brother whom he humiliated almost 20 years ago. This man is scared and afraid, make no mistake about that, but he also believes in what his God promised him when he left Bethel and again when he left Laban.

It’s always easy to choose the most logical way out. If I was Jacob, with my wealth, and being cunning, I would have gone somewhere else, anywhere that takes me further away from my brother. But that wouldn’t be in line with God’s command for Jacob which is “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” (Gen 31:3). This Jacob obeyed, and set off straight in the direction of the man who wanted to kill him.

We can have the same determination and strive for greatness doing things our way, just because Frank Sinatra sang that famous song now suddenly everyone believes in living his life doing what he wants. But is God with you? Are you experiencing victory? God promised the deceiver that “He’ll be with him” not once, but twice. This is interesting considering God’s word for us during the last youth service. Do you recognize your sonship and have you surrendered all? I believe that is KEY to God’s victory for us. Jacob recognized that God called him, and despite his wealth and cunning, submits to the promptings of God.

->Let me correct myself, what I admire is not just his determination, but his determination to trust God.

BTW Jacob was still pretty scared, groveling with fear and trying to suck up to his brother. That’s the deceiver we know. That night, a man appeared and wrestled Jacob. Now Jacob wrestled this man not knowing that He was God until later. His request for a blessing is an indication that he finally realized this person he’s wrestling with is no mortal, but supernatural. So God blessed him, calling him Israel, meaning “God fights”. WOW! His blessing is that Jacob will have victory because, and only because God fights for Him! Success! Success in everything Jacob does, including meeting Esau. Jacob was crippled in this wrestling match, but it really means that to be successful with God, Jacob had to be crippled in his own self-sufficiency (his own belief in his power/ability).

-> That youth service sermon comes back to me now. Does God fight for you? If you do not think so, then consider this. Why not?

Genesis 33-34

This chapter shows that the meeting with his brother Esau was a success, so successful to the point that Esau even offered to leave escorts with Jacob to protect them from harm as they traveled home. What favor! However, an interesting thing to note here is that Jacob declined the invitation to have protection and even proceeded to Succoth after Esau left, although he promised Esau that he’ll make his way to Seir, where Esau is camped. Maybe the weaker ones and the herds could not take the perilous journey? Maybe he was afraid that Esau’s attitude could change and therefore he could be at the mercy of his brother? God may have commanded him to return to the land of his fathers (which he did) but not Seir specifically. This shows that the deceiver is still not able to deal truthfully, probably because of fear of Esau.

This next chapter tells of the unfortunate incident that happens to Jacob’s daughter Dinah. As I read this, one thought that comes to my mind is this,

-> Girls, watch how you dress and where you go, no matter if you’re alone or with friends!!!

Dinah entered the city alone to meet and see how the “young women” were like in this city. Shechem SAW her, took her and lay with her, and violated her. The bible doesn’t say anything about how she dressed, but in today’s context, how a woman dresses usually attracts the LOOK from guys. So lesson 1, bring a pepper spray wherever you go! And learn to kick the guy really hard in the nuts. Just kidding! =)

On a serious note, one other interesting point to take note is Jacob was indecisive when he received news about his daughter’s rape. He was alone at that time and waited till his sons came home before there was any reaction. Even then, he did not make any decisive response and this resulted in his sons’ retaliation. I remember a long time ago when I first came across this, I actually laughed as I read about their revenge. Seriously, imagine them all struggling to run away in their sarong as they’re chased by the 2 brothers, Simeon and Levi.

Leaders who are indecisive will have people under them taking matters into their own hand, often to disastrous results.

Genesis 30 - 31 (22nd Jan) - Vivien

Chapter 30
Continuing where Pastor stopped, in Chapter 30 Rachel became jealous of her sister, as she could not bear any children for Jacob. And the “war” between the two sisters started. Since Rachel was barren, so she decided to get her servant to build a family through her (v3). And through her servant she got 2 sons – Dan and Naphtali. Now it was time for Leah to retaliate. Seeing that she has stopped having children, she too got her servant to lay with Jacob, and through her she had another 2 sons – Gad and Asher. I personally find it ridiculous to see such a scene (thank God life is simpler, husband can only have one wife)

Guys, please learn from this chapter, don’t ever think of having mistress. Already not easy to handle one, having another one, then you are really asking for trouble! By the way… the fight was not over yet… but let’s have a commercial break..

***Rachel wants mandrakes! Just barter some of your mandrakes and get one night with Jacob! **** End of commercial break.

Ah… Here is like one women who is so desperate to be loved by a husband who only have eyes for the other wife… I really wondered how Jacob felt when Leah excitedly waited for Jacob to reach home from the fields and told him, “You are mine today, because I bartered my son's mandrakes with your beloved wife, Rachel, for a night with you.”

Hmm… Why did Rachel make such an offer? What is so important about the mandrakes? In the Message version, Rachel called the Mandrakes, love-apple. Ah… it has been believed that this plant can help in conceiving. So is another act of desperation, but I am not sure if it is out of love… Because Rachel already had Jacob’s heart, but it seems like social status. Following after that, Leah bore another 2 sons – Issachar and Zebulun. God really loved Leah. He never forgets about her, and always listens to her prayers and gave her sons plus one bonus, a daughter. To all those people out there who think that they are unloved by anybody: God loves you, and He never forgets about your existence. =)

Finally, finally the “war” was coming to an end. God remembered Rachel and finally decided to open her womb, with that She bore 2 sons – Joseph and Benjamin.

In the next half of the chapter, Jacob decided to take his household to leave Laban. Laban recognized that he became prosperous because God was with Jacob, so of course he would want to retain Jacob. But Jacob appeared to have asked for less than what he deserved. However, he increased his supposedly imperfect, but strong flock, leaving behind the spotless, but weak flock for his uncle. Wasn’t he smart or what? Nope, it was God who gave him the vision through dream.

Chapter 31
In this chapter, it is about the Jacob and his household running away from Laban. I was quite shocked that Rachel actually stole her father’s household gods (What for??)… But the Bible didn’t mention that she was exposed for the crime. But later when you read on, she died prematurely, while giving birth to Benjamin. Maybe that had got to do with the crime. But at least the episode with Laban ended in peace, with a covenant between the two men that they will not harm each other.

Genesis 27 - 29 (21st Jan)

Chapter 27

Isaac was supposed to bless his first born, Esau, but with the conspiracy between Rebekah and Jacob, Jacob took the blessing. Rebekah was the one who challenged Jacob to deceive Isaac to give him the blessing. Read this chapter and you will know how it was done. But remember that all this is to fulfill what God told Rebekah in Gen 25:23 that the older will serve the younger.

The blessings that Jacob got were (v28, 29):
1. God’s blessing of heaven’s dew and earth’s richness
2. Nations will serve him and people will bow down to him
3. Lord over his brothers and they will bow down to him
4. Those who curse him shall be cursed and those who bless him shall be blessed.

Blessing & glory be to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He is the God of 3 generations.

Later part of the story was the return of Esau wanting to get his blessing and found that Jacob took his blessing away. Isaac was angry (v33). Esau was also angry with Jacob and said that he is rightly called a ‘deceiver’ and Jacob deceived him twice (v36). Birthright & Blessing. Esau decided to wait till his father, Isaac, died then kill Jacob (v41). Rebekah knew it and asked Jacob to flee to Laban, his uncle (Rebekah’s brother). Rebekah also cannot stand her ‘non-christian / different tribe’ daughter-in-law (Esau’s wife that married at his age of 40, Gen 26:34). It certainly brought grief to both Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 26:35)

Chapter 28

So Isaac blessed Jacob marry to someone of the same tribe. Hey people, try to look ‘within’. Say NO to unequally yoke relationship. You will be blessed if you obey J.

Jacob left and when the sun set, he took a stone and used it as pillow to sleep (v11). There, he had a dream (v12-15). We called it ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. Jacob anointed the stone with oil and called that place Bethel, the house of God (v16-19). And he made a vow to the Lord (v20-22).

Chapter 29

Jacob continued his journey and he saw a well covered with a large stone (should be heavy). The shepherds will carry the stone away and then water the sheep then they will carry the stone to cover back the well. Suddenly, he saw a beautiful gal, Rachel, and she was a shepherdess. Immediately Jacob turned into a hero. With all his strength, he rolled the stone away from the well and watered the sheep. Such a strong dude. Rachel was Laban’s daughter (same tribe). Cool. He kissed her and he wept aloud (v11). Weird.

Laban has 2 daughters. Leah, the elder, had delicate eyes and Rachel, perfect, beautiful. That’s why Jacob fell for her. So he didn’t mind working 7 years for her. But was cheated by his uncle and he got Leah instead. So he worked hard for another 7 years to get Rachel.

Leah gave birth to Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah. You must take note of these names because they will form the 12 tribes later on.

Genesis 25 & 26 (20th Jan)

Chapter 25

Abraham had another wife and concubines (v1, 6). For you guys, you can only have 1 wife and no concubines or porcupines. Abraham gave everything he owned to Isaac (v5) and then he died at 175 years old. Both Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham at the same place where their mother, Sarah, was buried.

V12 – 18 was the account of Ishmael. He had 12 sons that form his 12 tribes.

Then the account of Isaac. He prayed on behalf of his wife because she was barren and the Lord answered his prayer and his wife got a pair of twin boys. She named the first that came out as Esau because he was red and hairy. She named the second one who was grasping on the heel of Esau on the way out, as Jacob, which also means deceiver.

How do you think Jacob felt while growing up? “Hi, I’m Deceiver. I’m here to apply for a job.” Who will employ a deceiver? Jacob was a quiet man (v26). Of course he was quiet. Who would want to talk to a deceiver? He must be so downcast.

Notice that God changed Abram name to Abraham (Gen 17:5). God give the name of Abraham’s son, Isaac (Gen 17:19). But for Jacob, Isaac and Rebekah named him. So Jacob probably did not have a great childhood days. Later you will find that Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (v29-34).

Chapter 26

OK, back to Isaac. The Lord blessed Isaac and assured him of the promises He gave to his father, Abraham (v2-4), all because Abraham obeyed the Lord (v5). Abraham kept God’s requirements, God’s commands, God’s decrees and God’s laws.

On the later part of the chapter, you will find a lot of ‘wells’ surfaced. Isaac reopened the wells of Abraham (v18). Then the Lord met him at Beersheba and assured him once more. And there Isaac built an altar and dug a well (Shibah) (v25, 32)

Genesis 22-24 (19th Jan)

Chapter 22

Abraham was tested by the Lord. By then Isaac was a youth. The servants and the young guy, Isaac, happily followed Abraham to worship the Lord. I believe that Abraham just kept silent and feeling down knowing that he was bringing his only son to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. When they about to reach the place of sacrifice, Abraham turn around and told the servants to wait there and he said with confidence, "We will worship and then we will come back to you.(v5)" Believe me, Abraham did not read Genesis 22. So he would not know that God will stop him.
Only you know, I know and those who read will know.

Can you imagine the father and the son alone walking up the journey to the place of sacrifice? Isaac carried the big heavy stack of wood walking up (v6). I hope you know that to burn a body, you need plenty of wood and it is not light. It is like Jesus carrying the Cross and Our father in Heaven bringing His one and only Son to be sacrificed as atonement for our sins.

v9, Abraham built an altar. Take note that when you read Genesis, there are somethings you need to highlight them as bright as possible. They are words like "well", "tree" and "built an altar". I will share more on these in our June Tribe camp.
Abraham chose to obey God to sacrifice his son and God stopped him (v11-12). Then God provided them a ram.
There Abraham called the place "The Lord will provide", "Jehovah Jireh"(v14).

And this time, God assured Abraham in v15-18:-
1. God will surely bless him
2. God will make his descendants as numerous as the stars and sand.
3. God will make his descendants to possess the land
4. Through his offsprings, all nations will be blessed. All these were promised to all of us because Abraham obeyed God (v18).

Chapter 23

Death of Sarah and how Abraham negotiated for the land to buried her.

Chapter 24
Isaac has grown up and it was time to get married. Abraham sent forth his servant to look for his wife. His servant prayed to God to give him success (v12). Hey you all can pray for success too. Also look at the blessing on Rebekah in v60. She will multiply and possess the land.

We read this whole chapter. Beautiful love story. How you wish everything is planned for and you know in advance who is the one for your life right? The answer is "WAIT PATIENTLY".

Genesis 19 - 21 (18th Jan) - Jason

Chapter 19: Where we plant ourselves determines what we become.

We see the friction of decisions that Abraham and Lot made chapters ago since settling into the land. Lot chose a well watered area (see Gen 13: 10) while Abraham chose to live near the trees of Mamre (Gen: 13: 18). Lot chose to live dangerously, where his nearest neighbours were the Sodomites and the Gomorians (Sound like Martians). He pitched his tents too near danger.

Abraham debated with God, in other words, he was a man that was close enough to know of God's plans before they were decided. Whereas God had to send messengers to warn Lot. Lot was blind to the danger being not as close to God as Abraham was. He was too near the prowling lion of sin and such was the result, he was sucked into their carnality as well. Lot should have nothing to do with these people, instead living close to them, he called them his friends, "No my friends" (Gen 19: 7) He even offered his virgin daughters to the men to have sex with, when he should have said no.

Generational repercussions.

One of my accountability partners from Melbourne told me recently how decisions we make at an early age are spiritual ones. Ones that allow us to bear fruit today. Decisions that allow us to DECIDE to bear fruit today. For eg: To become a christian at a young age, to pray in tongues, to work in the Spirit. They changed who we have become, but they have bigger repercussions. Our family.

Lot was close to God, however, his wife looked back and was turned to salt. His daughters grew up near depravity, slept with their own FATHER. Looking back its such an interesting as God was interested in giving Abraham many children as his inheritance, a focus on generations, on the offspring. In some of our lives, spiritual fruit, spiritual children.

Chapter 21: Fruit and everlasting fruit; laughing with YOU!

Gen 21: 6 "..God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will LAUGH WITH ME."

Here we see Sarah laughing and everyone sharing her joy. Issac's birth is no doubt a miraculous birth and a promise from the Lord, and all of Abraham's household benefited from his decision to be rooted firmly where God calls him to be. Truly the whole world and all nations today laugh with Sarah, she is an UNFORGOTTEN mother. Whereas, Lot's children borne of his 2 daughters is such a painful thing to go through, to not have people laugh with you.

Today i was made to reflect on this passage especially the preceding chapters of Genesis 13. Where i am reminded by Lot's decision, is God our provider (Lot and the well watered land), is God our banner, our mediator, our righteousness. Are we defending God's integrity today, or are we defending our own. In life, in ministry, in relationship. Where are we pitching our tents today seems to be my word from this time with God. To know that decision to plant ourselves brings us closer from the now to the forever.

Genesis 16 - 18 (17th Jan) - Quanwei

Through these 3 chapters, this is what we can conclude & learn from the Lord:

In spite of what happened to Hagar, the Lord promised her that He will increase her descendants greatly & yet at the same time still wanting her to submit to Sarah. (v.9-10)
I believe if any other woman in her shoes, it will be hard to react the way that Hagar did.
For the ladies, imagine your mistress asking you to sleep with her husband in order to bear children & then receiving bad treatment, it will be hard for anyone to still serve the mistress.

But yet when someone experiences the reality of God deeply (v.13) , even our ways will become God's ways in our lives out of obedience.

Then in Chapter 17, the Lord confirmed His covenant with Abraham that he will be the father of many nations & even gave him a new name (v.4-5). And that this covenant will be for further generations to come! What a God we have! His blessings & covenant is not only just during Abraham's time but also for the generation right now in our time! Let us be faithful & trust that our God will make us fathers & mothers of our future generations to come!

However also through this, we can learn from Sarah in the area of faith where she doubted & laughed when the Lord said that she will give birth to a child herself for Abraham (v. 10-12). It tells us that when the Lord speaks, He will keep His words & promises for us no matter what...Amen!

Lastly in chapter 18, we can see that Abraham is a man who dares to stand in the gap for his people when the Lord decides to destroy Sodom & Gomorrah because of their sins (v.20-21). He so-called dare to 'bargain' with God in order that the cities will be saved. Imagine you're standing before God & 'bargaining' with Him from fifty people to ten people (v. 26-32).....I believe it will really take alot of courage & boldness like Abraham did. But i guess it's also the simple faith that Abraham has before God to dare to ask.

Let's us live a life of faith, boldness & obedience for our God & Lord Jesus! Amen!

Isaiah

Genesis 12 - 15 (16th Jan) - Josh

A PROMISING GOD

Abram's life is amusing. He is both a timid man and a man of faith. I can imagine the dilemmas in life he is constantly in!

He was afraid to be killed by Pharaoh lied about his wife, and astoundingly, staged a courageous rescue mission to save his nephew Lot, and made huge life decisions on hearing God's word and migrated from country to country!

Yet, it's not surprising! In daily life, we all face scenarios that challenges us. Like Abram, we struggle between living under mortal timidity and acting out of spiritual faith.
Today as I read, one truth that helps me face the battles with certainty.

1. God is a God of promises
God guided Abram by .. not commandments, not rituals, not merit..etc. It is by promises. Abram heard God's promises at every stage of his life. He moved according. He moved into provision, success and favor.

2. God's promises are independent of my character
God didn't watched and see if Abram did 100% right in His sight, in fact, Abram disobeyed God (12:1-5) by leaving WITH HIS possessions, and he acted in cowardice and selfishness that endangered his wife (12:10-20). Yet God spoke to Abram. Every word spoken was a blessing, a promise. God kept assuring Abram. Does God not know Abram's disobedience? Of course! And that reveals the extend of God's love. He extends the grace of promises, knowing that we are insufficient.

Doesn't that liberate you to simply live for God?
Isn't it a relief to know that God doesn't need our perfect understanding, clever wit, fascinating gifts to lead us? He requires a simple faith to believe and act.

As you move in the 15th day in the year of victory, how is God leading you today?
Hear His voice and move into His promises. Do not let your past failures stop you from moving into His promises. The God who led Abraham will lead you in triumphant procession - always

Job 40 - 42 (15th Jan) - Alvin

Well, we have come to the end of the book of Job. Just a few thoughts:

For the last 3 chapters, it’s quite interesting isn’t it? How God went to great lengths to talk about the Leviathan and the Behemoth. 2 mystery creatures that none of us really know their true identities. But it just emphasizes the wisdom of God and His sovereignty. And in the last chapter, we see how God restores Job, and He did not just restore, he doubled Job’s blessings.

As for the whole book of Job, there are a few key lessons for us.

1) God is sovereign.

The problem with Job’s friends was not that their theology of God was wrong. In fact, many of the things they said were actually right. But they missed out one glaring point, that God is sovereign. Isaiah 55:9 tells us that His ways are higher than our ways. Job’s friends tried to reason out why such affliction had happened to Job and concluded that it was because Job has sinned.
This is a common mistake that all of us have. We picture God with our own human understanding and conclude that if God is fair, He will only deal affliction on those who are evil. This is not true. And Job went to great lengths to show his friends otherwise, that the wicked can also be prosperous. You can refer to Psalm 73 also, where the Psalmist was also wondering why the wicked can prosper.


We need to understand that God operates in ways we do NOT understand. But yet we also see that God does not contradict His character. If you notice, God did not bring the affliction, but Satan did. Hence all that the friends said were actually not wrong; our God is a just God. However God allowed Satan to test Job and to demonstrate that it is possible for a man to walk upright and blameless before God even in difficult times. And now the book of Job serves as an encouragement to millions of Christians over the centuries.

2) We can be blameless before God.

If you read the words of Job, you will notice that though they are hopeless and even depressing, Job never once cursed God. In fact he was angry because his friends questioned his integrity and Job was fed up because he knew he did NOT sin before God and never did even in the time of testing. It is incredible. I asked myself, could I ever stand before God and be so certain that my ways are not offensive and sinful before Him, yet Job was so certain of his uprightness before God.

He went on to justify that it is not true that the upright will not see suffering and that the wicked will not prosper, in fact they do. If there was anything that God holds against Job, it was his questioning and his contenting with God. Job started to behave quite self-righteously (though it is true that he didn’t sin) and wants to question and challenge God for an answer to his plight.

We must remember one thing; God is not obligated in any way to answer us. Yet God in His mercy did. =)

3) Be Compassionate.

Job’s friends are good friends. Don’t forget that they wept with Job in the beginning. What went wrong was they allow their own self-righteousness and arrogance to guide them in their advice to Job. They assume Job had sinned because they thought they knew God and all of God’s ways. And when Job defended himself, their words became more and more piercing, and at one point, they became false accusations when they accuse Job of being merciless to the widows and the poor. Strange thing was, why didn’t they spend the time interceding for Job throughout his plight but instead concentrated on trying to convince Job that he has sinned when none of them had any evidence that Job really did?

It is a good reminder for all of us when we minister to people. DO NOT ASSUME. But more importantly, it is about being compassionate. Being there for them. Praying with and for them. When people are going through difficult times, the last thing they need is someone to make them feel guilty. (Yet it’s something that we often do, myself too without knowing) Be sensitive.

Agape

Job 38 - 39 (14th Jan)

Job 38
The finale finally comes-God speaks…He answered Job out of the storm…Hmm, God seems to like water…after the flood, now storm…
God did not answer Job directly, instead He asked Job a series of questions that no human could possibly answer. Amazing, right? God knows Job, just like God knows us. He handles each of us differently, using different approaches. With this approach of God on Job, Job finally responded by recognizing that God’s ways are best. God used Job’s ignorance of the earth’s natural order to reveal Job’s ignorance of who God is. Since Job was not able to explain some common events in nature, how could Job possibly explain or question God?

In Job 39, after asking Job about nature, God questioned Job about the animal kingdom. Interesting, right? Poor Job, physically so tired and unwell, still need to crack his head to think. God’s intention was to show how awesome God is and how limited was Job’s knowledge about things around him. God was not interested in Job’s answers, rather, God wanted Job to recognize and submit to God’s power and sovereignty. Only then could Job hear what God was really saying to him.

****Suffering causes us to trust God for who He is, not what He does.

Job 35 - 37 (13th Jan)

Job 35

I am sure Elihu must have waited for a loooong time before he was given the chance to speak. It shows Elihu having great patience…something to emulate. But he sure has great stamina to speak…hen duo kou sui… it just flowed like waterfall. Though he claimed that Job’s attitude had become arrogant as he tried to defend his innocence, we can learn a lot about God through his speech too.

Whatever circumstances, trials, problems or challenges that you have in life, rest assured that God has and will always be there for each of us. God is still concerned even though he doesn’t intervene immediately in every situation. God executes justice! Don’t lose Hope! Wait upon God! Don’t Quit when tested! Persevere till the very end and enjoy His blessings---in the case of Job, God blessed Him doubled as much as he used to have.Elihu continued…waterfall still flowing…heez

In Job 36,

Elihu talked about how incomprehensible God is and there is no way we can completely fathom God! That is why He is the God Almighty! Though we can know God by reading His Word, praying, worshipping…we can never know enough to answer all of life’s questions, to predict the future or to manipulate God for our own benefit (Pls read Eccless 3:11). So each time you do not get an answer to the “Why? How come?” Pls stop asking as He may not give you the reason or answer to some of your sufferings and trials. There were many things in my life that I wish to know the reason…but after some time, I know that God will never tell me…perhaps even if He really explains, I may not fully understand…so I eventually stopped asking…

In Job 37,

Elihu continued to talk about nothing can compare to God. God is awesome, all powerful, and majestic in all ways. When He speaks, we must obey as disobedience is sin and we reap the consequences of our own choices if we choose to do otherwise-that is a risk to take! Do not speak for God, take Him for granted, or to interpret His silence to mean that God is not there or does not care. Do not play God!Elihu concluded by saying that faith in God is far more important than Job’s desire for an explanation of his plight. He came so close to helping Job, but…just after this, God speaks. A great relief for Job.

Job 32 - 34 (12th Jan)

Game over. The 3 men stopped answering Job. Job was good. He was righteous (v1). Then a new player came and took over. A young punk who was angry (v2-5). There is a hokkien phrase that says that young bird do not know what is a catapult. Elihu was like the young bird and angrily, he went to Job's house and knocked on his door.

'Knock knock'. Job, very slowly got himself up and slowly walked towards the door. Afraid that whoever knocking at the door may be impatient as there was a continuous 'knock knock', Job with his faint voice shouted, "Sorry, who's there?" Came the reply, "No, I'm not Solihu, I'm his brother, Elihu here." Never mind, if you don't understand what I'm saying.

Because Job replied 6 chapters to his friends, Elihu also don't want to lose out. So he gave 6 chapters of his reply. Elihu just can't wait to speak. He is like a bottled - up champagne (Chapter 32:18,19). In order to find relief, he had to speak (v20).

Funny guy. After opening his mouth to speak so much in chapter 32, then in chapter 33:2 he said, he was about to open his mouth. He probably spoke with his mouth closed before that. Ha. He spoke so much and still he kept asking Job to listen to him (Chapter 33:1, 31, Chapter 34:1, 10, 16). What's so ironical, is that he asked Job to be silent and then ask him to speak up and answer him (v31-33)

Today is on Elihu words, it may not be very encouraging but I just want to bring out a little verse in his speech which act as a reminder for us. Chapter 34:21 - God's eyes are on the ways of men, He sees their every step.

So, know that in everything we do, God is watching us. He knows all and what you did last summer ;p.

Job 29 - 31 (11th Jan)

Chapter 29 - 31 is the continuation of Job's 6 chapters reply.

From Chapter 29 - 31, I only have one thing to share with you guys out there. It is found in Chapter 31:1 "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." Many times I talked to guys and there is 1 common thing they will struggle with. It is "lust".

In Matthew 5:28 "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Guys, let us make a covenant with our eyes that we will not look at a girl lustfully. Let us respect girls. They are God's unique and beautiful creation. Do not degrade them. Pray and ask God to forgive us and to cleanse our eyes and our minds. Whatever we see, thoughts will formulate in our mind. Do not let the thoughts be subject to lust.

Girls, you too, must help your brothers around you. Do not dress scantily or dress to kill. Please watch your dressing. You may stumble your brother in Christ and may cause them to lust over you. Especially when you go church, you go to worship God and not to attract guys. Let me tell you girls, it is not good for a guy to lust over you, you just do not know what will go on in the mind of a guy. It is better not to know. You will not like it. So dress decently.

Girls, I believe all of you would like a good and decent boyfriend and as your husband. Then dress decently. Decent gals attract decent guys.

Job 24 - 28 (10th Jan)

Chapter 24 is the continuation of Job's response to Eliphaz from Chapter 23. But very interestingly as I read Chapter 24, Job mentioned about the night, the activities in the night. Come to think of it, it is just like my old days where I play in the night and sleep in the day and life was empty and meaningless. Of course I've repented and changed.

Many people think that it is fun having nights out clubbing, disco dancing, etc. Think about it, all vices, illegal drugs exchange, smuggling, etc, most happened in the night, not during broad daylight. Sometimes, we get ourselves into joining the devil in the night without you knowing.

I used to teach ‘Music that influences lives’ in Post Encounter, I shared about the kinds of music played in clubs and discos, or even karaoke. When the people sing and dance to the music, they are dancing and singing to the spirit behind the music. Dancing is a posture of worship with your body expression. As you dance to the song that express sexual connotation or songs that express wrong values, you are dancing (worshipping) the spirit behind the music. Same goes to singing. So watch the place you go, the entertainment we seek, and the people we mix. We may be drawn into the devil's playground subtly without you knowing.

V17 – "For all of them, deep darkness is their morning, they make friends with the terrors of the darkness."

Chapter 25 the last round, Ting! Ting! Jobs friends gave up. Don’t know what to say. Since everybody say something and went 2 rounds, now left Bildad to complete the round. Probably he ran out of words, so it was just a short reply, 6 verses only.

But Job's reply was the longest this time. Seeing Bildad only spoke 6 verses, Job replied with 6 chapters, from chapter 26 – 31. All his skill and the ‘wu ling mi ji’ all come out. Like one of Stephen Chow's movie. Ha.

Job, once again exalted the Lord in Chapter 26. In Chapter 28, he explained about wisdom. “But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? (v12)”. The answer is found in v28, “the fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

If you want to have Godly wisdom, you need to have the fear of the Lord.

If you want to have understanding? Flee from evil. There are some other verses you can refer to.

Psalms 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his percepts have good understanding.”

Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but the fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Always remember Job 28:28. Remember it always.

"The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."

Job 21 -23 (9th Jan)

Job 21 is about Job's reply to Zophar. You can see Job was getting impatient (v4).

Job 22 is Eliphaz replying Job. You may find that these few days are just conversations between Job and his friends. Job's friends' words to him brought discouragement but we also can learn from some of the things they said- Eliphaz exalted the Lord in Job 5:9-11, 15-17 and some good advise from him in Job 22:21-22 to submit to God.

Job 23 & 24 is Job's reply. We can see the intimacy Job had with God (v10 & 12). When God tests us and if we stand through the test, we will come forth as gold (v10). He reminded us to walk closely in the way of God and never turn away (v11). Job treasured every word from God (rhema - spoken word of God).

So family, take time to seek God's word and write down those words He speaks to you. Treasure these words and know that He has spoken. He loves you.

Job 17 - 20 (8th Jan)

Chapter 17 is a continuation of Job replied from Chapter 16,

In Chapter 18, it was Bildad's turn to reply Job. Bildad is like a very sarcastic guy. Look at his respond in v2. "When will you end your speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk." This reminded me of this chinese phase one of my 12 (you will know who) always says. He like to say, "Wah, better don't talk anymore, if not 'yue miao yue hei'." "More cat more black" :p heh.

Chapter 19 was Job reply. Job seems like pulling out his hair in replying Bildad. see v2. "How long will you torment me". That's whay I said Job can't stand it. he was being tormented. He even counted the numbers of time Bilda reproached him v3. There is one thing he said that really encourages me.It is found in v25. "I know that my Redemeer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth."

Understand this, in the end Jesus WINS. So, we need to know that we already have the victory. This is the year of victory. Let's live victoriously in every area of our lives.

Chapter 20 is Zophar again who replied Job with his own understanding (v3). Nothing to mention about him anymore. Talk some more, more cat more black.

Job 14 - 16 (7th Jan)

Follow up from yesterday, from Ps Fei's blog, Chapter 12, 13 & 14 was Job replied to his friend Zophar.

After Job replied his friends, it was back to Eliphaz comments again in Chapter 15. It is like the 3 friends are taking turns in a triple tac team bullying Job alone. Eliphaz words were really mean. Every word he spoke was directly against him. Poor Job. Kena all the bombardment.

But I like Job's reply in Chapter 16 - 17. It was like Job wanted to have a counter attack in v2-4. He said, "Miserable comforters are you all! Will your long-winded speeches never end?" So people, when you comfort someone, don't give a long-winded speech.

When people feel down, it will bring them great agony to hear a person keep talking and talking non stop.

Learn to listen and follow what Job said in v5, "But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief."

Encourage people with your words. That's what friends are for. v20-21 stated, "My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend."

Job 10-13 (6th Jan)

Hey family, I really enjoyed reading His words since 1st January 07… Hope all of you are catching the same excitement as me :o) Though kinda challenging, especially since school has started, returning to work and waking up early to prepare breakfast for my lovely 2 - Joash and Janna, I am glad by His strength I am able to squeeze out whatever time I have to maintain the consistency of reading His Words… now having panda eyes due to lack of sleep, but each time when I managed to finish what has to be read for the day, I can’t help but to beam with joy…

As I read Job, I am very much encouraged by the fact that (Job 1:6-12) Satan is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted by God. Because Satan can do nothing without God’s permission, God’s people can overcome his attacks through God’s power. Awesome, right? Satan cannot see into our minds or foretell the future…that’s why he did not know if Job can overcome the trials and affliction but God knows.
Adversity strengthens real faith by causing believers to dig their roots deeper into God in order to withstand the storms.

As I read Job… the adversities plagued upon him is so much and intense. I really salute to his tenacity to press on (though he did become impatient and upset, blaming God)… but he did not reject and curse God.

When faced with trials, try asking God –What can I learn and how can I grow?

I know its easier said than done…this is the attitude that God wants from every child of His.

By our strength - Impossible. By His strength, POSSIBLE.

Interestingly, as I read Job’s reply in Job 10, I can’t help but to feel that though Job was suffering, his words were so poetic and his way of putting the words were so beautifully phrased…

v10 - Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese,

v11 - clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? … even when he was angry.

For us, when we are angry, don’t think we can respond with such poetic and beautiful structure of words… heez…

In Job 11, the last of Job’s friend - Zophar
Zophar was even more unfriendly and arrogant in his words to Job, accusing Job of sinning against God due to his plight and saying Job deserved to be punished. Sad , right? My heart goes out to Job… sob, sob. Zophar was indeed very, Super-duper insensitive and shows no brotherly love and compassion… I am sure he is the last person that Job wants to see if given the chance.

In Job 12 -14, Job’s reply to Zophar
This time, Job was sure heated up, he responded to Zophar with great sarcasm. Job once again emphasized that his 3 friends had misunderstood his suffering. Job stressed that he did not sinned against God to end up like this. Job was very adamant about asking God for an explanation to his plight.

Job 6 - 9 (5th Jan)

It is easier to stand through the test of faith under normal circumstances but it is not easy if God were to take everything away from us including our health and yet still staying faithful and praising our Father in heaven. Worse still, when your friends start to accuse you or say things about you that you didn't do while you are going through the trial period. Hoping to have words of comfort from people around, but all Job got was discouragement and distrust of his friends.

Remember this, in all things, all circumstances, whether good or bad, give thanks to God always.

Job 6 & 7

After the not so encouraging words from Eliphaz, Job replied him in chapter 6 & 7. Sometimes I rather people keep their mouths shut then to say for the sake of saying and made you more discouraged and confused.

So, ask God for wisdom before you bring a word to someone that needs encouragement.

Job 8

After Job explained to his friend in chapter 6 & 7, another friend of Job's friend, Bildad, interrupted Job and started commenting about Job's way. Started with the first sentence in verse 2, it sounded like Bildad just didn't believe in Job's explainations. Bildad also brought God into the picture and worst of all, something that I really don't want to hear and never want to hear, Bildad said that because your children sinned against God, He destroyed them. (I think Bildad better keep quiet so we can read less 1 chapter. :p).

Job 9 & 10

Job replied his friends by praising God and proclaiming His power and wonderful name of God. Many of you asked me about dinosaurs. the word 'Rahab' in chapter 9:13, according to my concordance, is a sea monster, a monster of the deep (Job 7:12). Yes, dinosaurs did exist and then extinct.

When you feel down, remember that God is there. When you are faithless. He is faithful. His love and faithfulness endures forever.

Job 1 - 5 (4th Jan)

Dear Family,
Why is there a sudden change of chapter? We are now in the book of Job. The reason I've put it this way is because I'm bringing you to read the bible chronologically. Which means, after the flood and followed by the Towel of Babel, then came Job. In fact Job was the first bible book written.The author is unknown. Some suggested that Moses wrote it. Time line 2000 - 1800 BC.

Job 1
Job was blameless and upright; feared God and shunned evil (v1, 8, Job 2:3). Job went through his first test. God allowed Satan to take everything away from Job except his life. With all taken away, Job still praised the Name of the Lord (v21).

Job 2
Job went through a second test where God allowed Satan to afflict Job with painful sores on his whole body. He was challenged by his wife to curse God but he didn't. He said, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? (v10)"
Many times in our life, when we face trouble, we will start to ask God why this happened and why must it be like that. Indirectly, we blame God subtly without us knowing. The battle is very intense. We need to be on guard and alert at all time. Each time when we face trouble, remember, we have the victory in Christ Jesus who always lead us in triumph.

Job 3
After 3 of Job's friend came and accompanied him in silence for 7 days and 7 nights(Job 2:11-13), Job finally spoke. He cursed the day of his birth but yet, He did not curse the Lord.

Job 4 & 5
A response from Job's friend, Eliphaz. If I were to be Job, I will be confused by his friend. One moment, it was encouraging (v4 & 6)and standing with me through the dark moments, and the next moment, started grumbling and being sarcastic.

Genesis 8 - 11 (3rd Jan)

The recent downpour in Singapore for about 2 to 3 days has already caused some places to have knee-height and some waist-height flood. It was worst in Malaysia when we went up to Muar. Can you imagine what will happen if it starts raining heavily for 40 days and nights consistently? We may end up in Star Cruise.

Genesis 8
For about a year, Noah and his family spent their time in the ark with the animals waiting for the water to subside and ground to be dried up (Gen 7:6, Gen 8:3-16). This ark must be very big to be able to store up enough food for all the animals and humans for a year.
After Noah came out, he built an altar to the Lord with burnt offering of clean animals and birds. Sure the BBQ smelled good and it was a pleasing aroma to God (v20). Then God said that never again will He curse the ground or destroy the living creatures He has done (v21).

Genesis 9
God blessed Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply (v1). It is God’s will for us to be fruitful and multiply. Right from the start in Gen 1:28, God commanded Adam too. Sure the BBQ smelled good, God allowed men to eat meat (v3). No wonder, if men were to eat meat before that, the ark will only be humans and dogs.
Then God established His Covenant with men that never again will all life be cut off by flood and never again will earth be destroyed by flood (no Star Cruise liao). Each time you see a rainbow, remember God’s Covenant to all of us because of His faithfulness and love for us.

Genesis 10
Forming of the nations of Noah’s sons.

Genesis 11 - Tower of Babel
During that time, everyone only spoke in one language. They wanted to build a tower that will reach the heaven and their purpose was to make a name for themselves. Also they will not be scattered to other parts of the earth. They can stay ‘under one roof with Moses’ in future. Singapore flats are getting taller and more. But we people aren’t speaking the same kind of language or rather, not having the same goals and purposes.

God said, “If as one people speaking the same language they begun to do this (their goal and purpose), then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them (v6).” So God came down to confuse their language and scattered them all over the earth (v7 & 8). Those that spoke Mandarin, God placed them in China, those that spoke Malay, they were placed around us. Those spoke Tamil, they were placed in India. The list goes on including those spoke in Singlish.

Can you imagine if everyone loves one another and love our neighbors with common purposes and goals for God, there will be peace on earth.

Genesis 4 - 7 (2nd Jan)

Hi family,

Hope the first day reading was good for you and hopefully my brief summary helps you to understand a little more.

Question time: What was the first thing Eve did when Adam came back from the field?

Answer: Count his ribs.

Oh yah, there weren't any mentioned of any creation of cars. But there was a car mentioned in Gen 3:23, 24. - "When God drove them out of the garden."

Ok, back to today's summary.

God bless.

"The lame will walk"

Gen 4 – 7, 2nd Jan 2007

Genesis 4 - Cain & Abel
Adam and Eve's first son, Cain, followed by Abel. After the Lord God drove both Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden, no longer could they enjoy the full provision they used to have. They had to struggle for themselves and their family. Cain became a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. It was not mentioned why God rejected Cain’s sacrifice, but both Cain and Abel knew what God expected. Only Abel obeyed.

Throughout history, Abel is remembered for his obedience and faith (Heb 11:4) and he is called “righteous” (Matth 23:35). Perhaps Cain’s attitude was improper, or perhaps his offering was not up to God’s standards. Prov 21:27 says, “The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable – how much more so when brought with evil content!" After Cain’s sacrifice was rejected by God, God gave him the chance to try again (v6 & 7a). God is indeed gracious, always wanting to give us a second chance.

Dear family, the next time God prompts you or if someone suggests you are wrong, take an honest look at yourself and choose God’s way instead of Cain’s - which lead to the murder of his own brother, Abel - first tragedy mentioned in the bible. Cain was severely punished for this murder. God’s punishment is meant to correct us and restore our fellowship with Him. When you’re corrected, don’t resent it. Instead, renew your fellowship with God. The Lord God yearns to have our continuous fellowship with Him.

Genesis 5 - Genealogies of Adam
The bible contains several lists of ancestors, called genealogies. Genealogies were included to confirm the bible’s promise that the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be born into the line of Abraham. Genealogies also point out an interesting characteristic of God. People are important to Him as individuals, not just as races or nations. Therefore God refers to people by name, mentioning their life span and descendants.

For example, Enoch (v21-24). He walked with God. He was the second person mentioned in the hall of faith after Abel (Heb 11:4 & 5). He did not experience death and was commended as one who pleased God.

Dear family, continue to walk with God and please Him only. May your name be in the book of faith.

Genesis 6 - Noah
Sin became very evident among the people. The people’s sin grieved God. Our sins break God’s heart as much as sin did in Noah’s day. Because of sin, the lifespan of a man gets shorter (v3). God wanted to destroy all mankind on earth because He was grieved (v6 & 7). Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of God - his faithfulness and obedience to God (v8 & 9). So God commanded Noah to build an ark to save his family from the flood that God will send to destroy mankind.

Genesis 7 - The rain & the flood

Noah and his family entered the ark. Pairs of every animal joined Noah in the ark; seven pairs were taken of those animals used for sacrifice - the “clean” animals. Scholars have estimated that almost 45, 000 animals could have fit into the ark. Also many people used to say that it was flooded for 40days & 40 nights. But it was not. It rained for forty days and night (v4 & 12). The flood came in and every living thing on the face of earth was wiped out. The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days (v24). Everything on the face of the earth were destroyed.

Hmm... ever wonder how Noah tamed all the animals to enter the ark? (Dinosaurs cannot enter) Well, read Genesis 1:26.

God bless