2 Chronicles 6 - 7, Psalms 136 (14th June) - Sky

2 Chronicles 6
The start of this chapter, a speech was given by Solomon. It was made after when the Ark representing the convent of the Lord he made with his People was brought into the temple. It played a big significance because God have not chose a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple since the day they were brought out of Egypt. But now the Lord chose Jerusalem and chose Solomon to be his Hands to have the temple to be built.

Solomon carried on with a prayer of dedication. He started it on sharing how affirmed he was that our GOD is a promise-making and keeping GOD. And how it call came true. V18 has a very interesting point is that Why will GOD dwell with men in a Temple when even the Heavens cannot contain HIM? The only reason I could think of was because we are of great importance to Him and how much Love He has for us.

Solomon pleaded to GOD that when the people pray or cry. May He hear, and forgive. May He deal with them accordance to what he does, since the Lord will know his heart.

V40 Now, my God may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Solomon's Prayer consisted of request and repents. After reading this chapter a few affirmations I learnt :

1. God knows your heart
2. God is a promise making and keeping God
3. God loves us

These points are not something new. But it’s something to be renewed in my heart daily.

2 Chronicles 7
Solomon dedicated the temple to the Lord with praises, worship, music, thousands of sacrifices and offerings. It lasted for a period of 20 over days leaving the people joyful in heart on what the Lord has done for the people.

As the Lord appeared to Solomon affirming him that He ahs heard his prayer and His eyes will be open and ears be attentive. But the people have to humble themselves and pray and seek with a righteousness heart. The Lord also mentioned to Solomon if He observe and walk in his laws and decrees, the Lord will establish his royal throne.

Psalms 136
This psalm is a beautiful psalm written to thank God. That 1 fact will always be established forever

“His love endures forever”

2 Chronicles 5; 1 Kings 8 (13th June) - Weiling

The massive project of building God’s temple has been completed. Yet, in those days before Jesus, that temple would have just remained a building without the Ark of the Covenant. To bring in the Ark to the temple was to usher in the presence of God.

As I read the passages of today again, I could feel the awe-inspiring moment. Finally, the presence of God is going to dwell in the presence of the people of Israel and Judah again. A place has been built for God to dwell forever.

God wants to be near us. The blueprint of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle was given first by God to Moses in the wilderness so that God can be in the midst of His people. In the 40 years of wilderness, God led His people by a great cloud by day and fire by night. When the cloud or fire moved, the people packed up the Tabernacle and moved, when the cloud or fire settled, the people set up the Tabernacle. It was a time of wandering for the people then. In today’s passages, we see that it is a different setting. God has blessed His people so much and Israel was very prosperous under King Solomon.

All the heads and chiefs of the tribes were there. (1 King 8:1) So many sheep and cattle were sacrificed that they could not be recorded or counted! And when the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, God’s glory filled the temple. God’s presence was so holy and glorious that the priests could not perform their service! Can you imagine how awesome it was? Just as how Solomon expressed it in 1 King: 27, how is that a God which even the highest heavens cannot contain could dwell in the temple? Yet God chose to. God desires to be with His people.

David and Solomon’s desire in building the temple was so that God would dwell among the people forever. Yet, we also saw how the people of Israel and Judah later strayed from God and grieved Him. Does your heart desire to dwell in the presence of God all the days of your life? If so, then know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. Commit your hearts fully to God and obey Him.

2 Chronicles 4, 1 Kings 7 (12th June) - Joshua

These 2 chapters document the furnishing of God's temple after a long warring period. The articles includes outer courts furnishing and temple articles, in which the chapters documented in great detail.

The intriguing point to me was : "When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the LORD was finished, he brought in the things his father David had dedicated.." - 1 Kings 7:51

The dedicated things.

To Solomon, the dedicated things are the gold, silver and the Ark.
To God and generations, the example of dedication is Solomon.

Solomon prepared, set aside, gave his best, read into details in his dedication to God. A template of worship we can follow.

2 Chronicles 2 - 3; 1 Kings 5 - 6 (11th June) - Benjamin

These 4 chapters talks about the request that King Solomon sent to Hiram, king of Tyre. It clearly states the materials required to build the grand temple for God (2 Chr 2-5), all of the finest quality. Thank God for Hiram, who provided the manpower and the materials required to make this magnificent house of God.

It even goes into the detailed measurements of the Most Holy Place.

I think it’s just amazing how the men of those times managed to build a building of such a scale. Imagine the effort and time required, given the lack of modern machineries. The reason motivation for them to carry on and build up the place is that this is the temple of God and they were the chosen ones to take on the tasks.

Sometimes, I wonder if any of us will be complaining and grumbling when we were the chosen ones to take on certain tasks that God has delegated to us. This brings me to the point about the 100K Challenge. It is a divine responsibility that God has placed upon the church leadership. We should be obedient followers and go forth to perform this task with joy and confidence!!

Proverbs 22 - 24 (10th June) - Sky

Proverbs 22

Chapter 22 starts out with a benefit of wise people. A wise person earns good reputation as they learn to handle finances carefully, avoid sexual impurity, control emotions and speech, working hard. Why is it necessary to have a good name? So we can be that testimony, that difference, that blessing, to be the Light that shines even in Darkness.

Verse 4
2 words are often repeated in Proverbs and that is Fear of the Lord and humility. That will always be the essence and foundation of wisdom.

Verse 5 and 8
Solomon often uses poetic and flowery words to describe walks of wickedness or righteousness. Wicked lie thorns and snares but for the righteousness lies rivers of blessings.

Verse 15
Child discipline is mentioned again here. Ever wonder why a child is always so mischievous? Folly is bound up in the heart of the child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. Due to sensitiveness we can’t use a cane during Young Arrows. Makes things easier sometimes Haha =X

Verse 17 – 29
Sayings of the wise, apply your heart to what I teach. It started out impactfully

Readers, we should not just read and let it past. But let it sink deep into our hearts, mind and spirit and apply it in out daily lives.

Proverbs 23

This chapter continues by sharing other principles to be applied in life.

Verse 6
Why not eat the food of a stingy man? When u ask or even accept a favor from a stingy man. Logically, his manners and attitude will make your experience miserable by expecting something in return.

Verse 12
Application of wisdom. Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Verse 17-18
AS I read this verse I felt it really relates to a lot of people and myself. Sometimes in my Christian walk, I do envy sinners in their way of life. But we are to be zealous for the fear of the Lord. And the encouragement is stated in V18 that we will have hope and it will never be cut off!

Verse 20-21 and 29-35
They talks about alcoholism, not a modern phenomenon, a problem even troubles the people of the Middle East. For Drunkards becomes poor, not only spiritually but financially as well. And their daily clothes would be drowsiness

Solomon does not only give spiritual depth to his wisdom, but with logic and common sense as well.

Proverbs 24

A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.

Verse 11
This verse caught me, as we help the unjustly condemned to die, to rescue them from spiritual or physically death. People need to hear the life-changing message of the gospel as it is the Solution to all deaths.

Verse 14
Again stated future hope for us and our hope will not be cut off. Sometimes GOD promises again and again, and yet we still have little faith in HIM.

Verse 26
A poetic verse, an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. An honest answer like a kiss demonstrates affection and love, the marks of genuine friendship.

As I continue to read proverbs, I asked myself how do I develop a wise heart?

Developing a heart that is skilled in following God’s way requires exceptional commitment and discipline. Because of sin, we enter this world with spiritual “heart disease”. The heart, the inner control center that thinks, feels and makes choices, is clogged with evil thoughts, sexual perversions, deceit, pride and foolishness.

AS we weed out the evil thoughts, desires and motives. And fill our minds with true, pure admirable thoughts. Bringing healing to our hearts begins with a passionate fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 19 - 21 (9th June) - Xiao Woon

Proverbs 19
Verses 4 and 7:
Nowadays when u’re rich..everyone flocks to you but when they know that u are poor, they may not even want to be near u.. Thank God that He accepts us for who we are and although we’re so poor (in spirit etc), and He’s so rich, He does not despise us but instead wan to even draw close to us.

Verses 5 and 9:
Repetition of this verse twice means God’s emphasizing that those who tell lies will really perish and to really watch our tongues. Check on ourselves daily. Did we tell any lies yesterday, today and do we intend to tell a lie the next day (maybe to cover up for something we did that’s not right?)? we must constantly do a reality check on ourselves everyday so that we don’t stray away n take God’s grace and mercy for granted.

Verse 17:

Being kind to the poor is like lending to God. I remember during the Jackie Pullinger conference where she mentioned that we should treat everyone as if they were Jesus Himself and treat them like we would treat Jesus.

Matthew 25:45-"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

God sees and rewards accordingly. He does the heart check on us and He knows best.

Verse 20:

Listen to the advice of your leaders as their advice is for your own good. Sometimes things that they say you may not like it and may not obey. But it’s actually these words that are the good advice, and it is because they care so much for u and love u so dearly that they choose to tell u things that u don’t like to hear rather than things that you like to hear so that things will turn out well and u may realized that u became wise through all these! Verse 27 mentions again that it is not wise to not listen to instruction.

Proverbs 20
Verse 1:

Wine is a mocker and beer a bawler. It is not wise to be led astray by them. How can we be led astray by alcohol? They are not even living. But be careful. Satan uses them to create chaos. Too much alcohol causes one to lose his/her consciousness and he/she may end up doing things that he/she does not know. This is very dangerous and one can fall into sin very easily. Thus it is not wise to be led astray by them in that sense. It is not ok to be drunk with alcohol. Know your limits. If you do not know your limits then don’t drink at all.

Verse 6:
Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? Thank God that He is the faithful One, with that unfailing and unconditional love for us. For where else can we find one who would die for us sinners but only He, who loves us so much? Man’s love will fail, but God’s love never fails. Seek God’s love, not man’s.

Verse 22:
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
We don’t have to slap the other guy back when he slaps us in the face. We don’t have to get back at that person who wronged us or hurt us etc. Just wait upon the Lord, He would deliver us and deal with the person accordingly.

Verse 27:
The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.
The footnotes says this: The spirit of man is the LORD 's lamp.
We represent God’s lamp to shine onto the world in His image.

Proverbs 21
Verse 13:
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
God hears our cries, He hears the cries of the poor. Let us not be ignorant to the cries of the poor but to meet their needs and to serve them to the best that we can =)

This chapter is about the wicked and righteous. Be righteous and see yourself prosper in God’s hands=)

Proverbs 16-18 (8th June) - Li Juan

Proverbs 16-18

What does it mean to commit to the Lord whatever you do? What does it mean to have the fear of the Lord? What does it mean to lead a pleasing life? What does it mean to live a righteous life? What does wisdom mean? What does folly mean?

Although there can be so many bombastic vocabularies, analogies and metaphors, when I read through these proverbs the bottom line of it is whether all that you are doing pleases the Lord? It can be through logical reasoning that certain things are not right, it can be a heaviness in the spirit which prompts you, it can be a troubling thought or guilt or something u keep dwelling upon which reminds you that “Yes there is this thing which is not in line with what the scripture says and not pleasing to Him”. Today, come before Him with a heart of obedience and willingness to truly ask the Holy Spirit to lead you, and to go back to the Bible to learn about what is right/wrong to do.

Learn to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to listen to Him speak, learn to not let your conversations with others become gossip sessions, learn to discern what is right and wrong, learn to be humble and most importantly, learn to fear the Lord.

Proverbs 13 - 15 (7th June) - Sky

Proverbs 13

This chapter provides spiritual depth ranging from watchful tongue to humility to be applied in daily lives. A few is listed below

Humility
V1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction but a mocker does not listen to rebuke
V10 pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

As it is written “With humility comes wisdom”

A Watchful Tongue
V2 from the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence
V3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin

A fool slanders and destroys. A wise person nourishes and encourages with his mouth. Our mouths have potential to make lives miserable or make lives joyful. It has the power to affect destiny.

Disciplining your child
V24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

There is no question that physical discipline is meant here. Disciplining your child with firmness rather than anger, that’s what being careful, is about

Proverbs 14

In this chapter you will see a lot of contrasting issues such as Simple and prudent man, wise and foolish, patient and quick-tempered, peace and envy, righteousness and evil, truthful and lies.

In most of Solomon proverbs he has always use contrasting words in all of his principles.
V16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless
V29 a patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly

Every verse he writes always shows that there will be nothing good that comes out from the wicked or even there is, it’s short-lived. Righteousness exalts even a nation while sin is a disgrace to any people. In Christ we are righteous, why should our actions tell us otherwise?

Proverbs 15

Chapter 15 continues by showing the contrast of righteous and wicked

V6 the house of the righteous contains great treasure but the income of the wicked brings them trouble
V14 the discerning heart seeks knowledge but the mouth of a fool feed on folly

Many more principles to learn from Solomon other than these two. But often Solomon always summaries 1 point and that is, the RIGHTEOUNESS never LOSE OUT

Wisdom is fear of the Lord. Every bible-reading Christian would know. As I discern about it with that desire to be wiser, I ask myself, from scale 1 – 10 how much do I fear him? 1 is I need to renounce my faith. While 10 is you will do no wrong in this world

With humility comes wisdom. Humility comes before honor. As I read I pray that may our ears be willing and open, our hearts be receptive and obedient, may our Spirit convicts and encourages, may the Fear of the Lord sink deep into our hearts as we live each day to be that Light of the World.

Proverbs 10 - 12 (6th June) - Weiling

Theme and Message of Proverbs
According to the prologue (1:1-7), Proverbs was written to give “prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young” (1:4), and to make wise men wiser (1:5). Acquiring wisdom and knowing how to avoid the pitfalls of folly will lead to health and success. Although Proverbs is a practical book dealing with the art of living, it bases wisdom solidly on the fear of the Lord. (1:7)

Most of the proverbs today are antithetical, using the conjunction but to contrast the path of folly with the path of faith. The proverbs are varied but practical: teaching you how to use your money, not to shoot your mouth off, how to select friends… etc. Perhaps as you read through the proverbs today, the Holy Spirit highlighted some that He wants to speak to you about. Ask yourself, what are the proverbs that speak most clearly to your need today?

The following headings are not really the only prevailing main points to the chapters but are just some points I’m highlighting.

Proverbs 10 – Mouths and Money
v.19-21; 31-32 We see that we need to restrain our tongue, because when we talk too much, “transgression (or sin) is unavoidable”. (James3: 5) Like a small spark, a word from our mouth can start a fire. But, the mouth can also bless. The heart and mouth are closely related as we read in these verses. Often, what we say is a reflection of what is in our hearts. If there is resentment or frustration, what we say are often bitter.

Proverb 10 also instills the fear of the Lord regarding money. We are cautioned that “ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death” and also, “it is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it”. Therefore, do not put money above God. God knows what you need and He will provide. Fear Him and seek to be righteous instead.

Proverbs 11 – Generosity
v.24-26 spoke to me as I read through this chapter. The teaching is indeed quite contrary to what the world says to us. We are usually tempted to look out for ourselves or to preserve ourselves. Often, it’s because of fear or selfishness. However, we are taught today not to withhold or hoard, but to give and be generous.

Do you believe that God is the Source, that He is your provider? God wants us to give and to bless because that will make us to be like Him, He who loves to give and bless (us)! “He who waters will himself be watered”. Amen!

Proverbs 12 – Guidance and Counsel
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid”. (v.1)
Often, discipline and sound advice are hard to swallow. But if we look at it objectively and positively, we can learn from it and improve. If we simply shut our ears to it, we miss the chance we can to learn from it.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (v.15)
However, be careful whose counsel you listen to. “The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful”. Ask God for wisdom and discernment. One very safe advice: Check with your pastors and leaders :) Don’t simply choose to hear what you want to hear.

Proverbs 7 - 9 (5th June) - Melvin

Proverbs 7: Warning Against the Adultress

This is a follow up chapter addressing the importance of guarding our hearts against adultery. Proverbs 4,5,6 have addressed the severity of adultery and how displeasing such an act is to our Father Lord.

Proverbs 7 introduces the character that can lead young men astray - the Adultress. God commands that we keep his teachings and his word close to our hearts so as they may aid in guarding our hearts and nurture wisdom in us (Verse 1-5), which will prove useful because (verse 7) "a youth who lacked judgment" falls and sways easily to the Adultress's persuasive words (verse 21).

It is not to say a wise man will not falter BUT a wiseman in God will possess better judgment and know HOWto guard his heart against temptations. Equipped with God's teachings and through God, we can overcome all difficulties.

Verse 22 onwards mentions of how faltering is a terrible sin that ultimately leads to death (Proverbs 7:27: her house is a highway to the grave, leadingdown to the chambers of death). The Adultress here also takes on a more deeper significance, She is the evil one, who uses persuasive words, material temptations, lust, lies masked with worldy wants etc to seduce us into faltering and to sin in our daily lives at any possible location (verse12: now in the street, now in the squares).

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Father urges us to hold onto his Word for it gives us wisdom to fight the Spiritual Battles in our daily lives.

Proverbs 8: Wisdom Calls

Previously in chapter 7, we refer to wisdom as a sister and we are told to call understanding our kinsman. In chapter 8, it describes what wisdom is and how wisdom can be such an amazing gift from God. Verses 10, 11 and 19 - compares wisdom with some of the finest metals and precious stones in the world.

Wisdom is indeed better than the finest gold. Important in this chapter is verse 32 onwards, how wisdom urges all brothers and sisters to seek after it and (verse 35) "for whoever finds me finds life andreceives favour from the Lord".. It is as if Jesus is speaking us as "Wisdom". The chapter ends of in verse 36, "But whoever fails tofind me harms himself; all who hate me love death". Notice how the word "death" is used again, to end of chapter 7 and then again to end of chapter 8. This shows a link to both chapters and emphasizes on how we must consistently and constantly seek for God's wisdom in our lives, that we may make wise and well-judged actions and choices that will glorify his kingdom and his ways.

Proverbs 4-6 (4th June) - Ezra

Chp 4:

In this chapter, I can only summaries it as, listen to the wisdom of fathers.
Why I say that? Simple;

The whole chapter 4 talks about the wisdom of a father to a son.
Verse 1: Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding (NIV).
Verse 1: Listen, friends, to some fatherly advice, sit up and take notice so you'll know how to live (Msg Version).
Verse 1: Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding (NKJV).

I will also like to bring your attention to this passage:
Verse 12: When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble (NIV).
Verse 12: I don't want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns (Msg Version).
Verse 12: When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble (NKJV).
From verse 1 to here, it brings us to a very simple path of wisdom. That is, listen to the wise and do everything according to what the Lord has intended for you.
In the massge version, it's really interesting; after verse 12, we see verse 13 as it continues on saying: Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip. Guard it well—your life is at stake!
It is pretty strong at the last part, but I feel that it's saying, hold tight to the values and principles of what was thought to you through the word of God and guard it well, because we are always facing temptation everyday, trails and burddens everyday. So we must always be on our guard.

In the below verses, it also shows us that, when we learn to guard our heart and put His word into practice, our health will be grow better, verse 22. Following on, it also teaches us to put perversity from our mouth and also to keep corrupt talk far from your lips, Verse 24.

Take some time to study the massage version and NKJV version of Proverbs, it is reallyv ery interesting as you can find the different placements and usage of words which opens up your mind to understand greater in detail.


Chp 5:

Here as we see, it's a warning against adultery.

For us, many are very young. But it's good to know and start learning now, the right values and principles to live a life holy and pleasing before God.

I will summaries up this whole chapter as; man's ways are evil, but through His word, He will set us free and align our hearts, minds, soul, values and principles back to Him.

Chp 6:

Verse 16-19: 16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers (NIV).
Verse 16-19: Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family (Msg Version).
Verse 16-19: 16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren (NKJV).

The few different version I quoted, they all have very similer characteristics of the word they use: detestable, passion and abomination. This shows us that, it is really so wrong to commit these acts. The words used are all very strong words. So bare in mind that the above shouldn't be part of our life style.

Again from verse 20 - 35 talks about adultery. This shows us that, this kind of act is very dis-pleasing to God so much that it was repeated 3 passages of it.

Proverbs 1-3 (3rd June) - Crystal

Proverbs is one of the books of poetry. It offers advice different areas of life and describes wise living leading to a fulfilled Christian life. In Proverbs 3-5 we will read about the meaning of wisdom from Solomon.

Solomon is a man of wisdom. This wisdom comes from fearing God which in turns leads to abundance knowledge that one can have. Pro1:7 . Our God is one who create the universe and all things. Who can grant us more wisdom than Him? Sometimes, in the mist of examinations, we would rather choose to spend more time with our books than God. God is the creator of all. He gives wisdom to those who seek him earnestly.

When God calls, He expects a response. Don’t only answer to His blessings and pleasant words. Listen carefully to His rebuke for they speak of His heart desires and thoughts. Pro 1: 23 Are you running away when He disciplines you? In the end you might find yourself running in circles seeing the same sin over and over again. He loves you so much that He can’t bear to leave you on your own. Pro 3:11-12

There are many benefits when it comes to listening to “God’s wisdom” How do we do it? Pro 2:3-5

Do not give up asking and crying for His wisdom and understand His ways. God wants you to have a desire for it as if searching it like hidden treasure. Just like the pirates, they did not stop searching for the treasures even when storm comes, when enemy attacks, over many generations. Isn’t God’s ways more valuable than that? There are times we cry out for that desire, that understanding of situations in our lives that are so unbearable. Seek the Lord earnestly with His words in the bible. Pro 2:6

Wisdom does not only help you to differentiate what is right and wrong but it guards your heart and protects you from sinning. Have you ever encountered times when you hope to stand up for God but you are unable to hear and speak of His truth, ask for His wisdom. It might be just a prayer or a time of fasting. Most importantly tell Him your desire of knowing the right words to speak at the right time. Pro2:10-13

God’s ways are always better than ours. Most of the time it is easier said than done. Don’t take things into your own hands. Guard your heart and ask Him for advice. He is a 24/7 consultant! That is such a privilege for us as Christians! Pro 3: 5-7 . Can you stop the sun from rising or setting? God can. And through His wisdom, He created heavens and earth. Let your stubbornness be subdued by His wondrous works in your life and allow the gentle and quiet spirit of God fill you.

Do you want to be the Solomon of your generation?

Song of Songs 1 - 8 (2nd June) - Sylvia

Basically the book of Song of Songs is about songs and poems that talk about love and courtship

Lover refers to the male speaker

Beloved refers to the female

Friends refer to other people who speak.

Interestingly, the following verse appears thrice in the book of Song of Solomon: (2:7, 3:5 and 8:4)

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you; Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires"

I believe for us ladies, its very applicable to us, especially those of us who are at that age of crushes etc.. where we tend to fall in "love" easily.

Lets be reminded of this verse so as to guard our hearts, save it for THE one which God has in mind =)

Guys.. you all can take a leaf from Song of Solomon to woo your future girlfriends with the beautiful poetic words and songs.. haha

Psalm 119: 89 - 176 (1st June) - Kelvin

This portion of Psalm consists of entries from 12 people, mainly about the Law of the Lord. Honestly, I do not know who they are. Nevertheless, their words bring forth prophesies and the laws of the Lord to me in a renewed way. In my own way, I am going to summarise the understanding that I conceived from the various individuals:

Lamedh – Everything from the Lord endures forever. His faithfulness, His creation and His laws are within His command. The perfect things in this world all have limits but the commands of the Lord transcends everything on this earth.

Mem – The emphasis is the Law of the Lord. It makes you who read wiser than anyone who does not. Believe it or not, you can be wiser than teachers, elders or those above you in your careers if you read it with your heart. The words of the Law are better than honey if you never depart from it. Obey them and you will find every wrong path detestable.

Nun - The Lord’s word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. It is a joy to keep to His decrees even though the evil ones want to stop us from doing so. Sometimes, you may have put your life in your own hands but always remember to follow the law of the Lord.

Samekh – Love the law of the Lord and stop being Lukewarm! The Lord is where you can seek shelter and comfort in times when evildoers went rampaging around you. The Lord will know whether we have taken His decrees or not, for He knows the deceit in our hearts.

Ayin – Even as you love the law of the Lord, ask Him for discernment so that you can really receive something and not read in vain. Only those who are close to the law of the Lord dare to ask abundantly and unashamely because they have caught the heart of the Lord.

Pe – We ought to weep each time when we do not obey the Lord’s decree. The law of God brings light into every corner of our lives. It makes those who love it pant and thirst for more understanding. The Lord is merciful to those who love Him. When we are oppressed by men because of following His commands, the Lord will redeem us.

Tsadhe – The law of the Lord is forever right, it has no flaws nor is it questionable. It becomes our sole happiness when we are facing difficulty in life. You can be poor and hated by the world but so long as you do not forget the law of the Lord, you are priceless in His sight. The Lord’s promises never become empty.

Qoph – Cry out to the Lord when you are in distress, for He is near to you and those who devised wicked schemes are far from His law. The law of the Lord is true since the day it was established.

Resh – The Lord can preserve your life when you obey His decrees. He will deliver you from your suffering too.

Sin and Shin – Praise the Lord seven days a week, rejoice in His laws and have the fear of the Lord in your heart. Peace will follow you wherever you are when you follow His law. The Lord knows you inside out.

Taw – A prayer that we ought to say everyday. Simple and remindful to us each day as we live our lives.

2 Chronicles 1, 1 Kings 3 - 4, Psalm 72 (31st May) - Weiling

Psalm 72
There are only two psalms attributed or credited to Solomon. They are Ps 127 (shared yesterday by Vivien) and Ps 72.

However, it is not very clear if the “Of Solomon” of Ps 72 means it is by him or by King David as a prayer for his son because it ends of with v.20 “This concludes the prayers of David, the son of Jesse”. It is likely it is the latter.

It is a prayer to God for the king to be just and righteous and to have a special heart for the afflicted and needy. Indeed, special mention is given twice to the “afflicted” and “needy” in v.4 and v.12-14; for the king to save and defend them. It is important for a leader to have compassion for and not forget those who are weak. Let’s pray for the leaders and rulers over us to have that.

King David also prayed for Solomon’s legacy, that he will “endure as long as the sun” (v.5) and that people will pray and bless him (v.15). He also prayed for his name to “endure forever” and that “all nations will be blessed through him” (v.17). David also prayed for the greatness of his kingdom (v.8-11; 16).

However, some scholars have also said that v.2-17 is actually a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ.

2 Chron 1; 1 King 3&4
You will realize that as you read 2 Chron 1 and 1 King 3, that they are similar.
Both speak of God appearing to Solomon in a dream and asking him “Ask for whatever you want me to give you”.

What a million-dollar question!! Pause for awhile now and ask yourself, what would YOU ask? Don’t attempt to give the “correct” answer or a textbook answer; what is your truthful answer? I think our answer would reveal what is in our hearts, what our desires are, what the priorities in our lives are. For many of us, we would probably ask for something for ourselves.

Solomon truly had a heart of wanting to serve the people he was leading. He put them before himself. He asked for wisdom and knowledge that he may govern God’s people well. No wonder it pleased God so much to give him everything else! Solomon was wise and had wealth and honour that no kings before or after him ever had.

We see in 1 King 3:16-28 a demonstration of King Solomon’s wisdom and discernment. He was able to know the heart of a mother and this enabled to judge and rule justly and wisely. He knew a mother’s heart was always for the welfare of the child and not her own. This is love.

1 King 4
In this chapter, we discover from Solomon’s daily provision that he led a very grand life. There was much prosperity and peace. The twelve district officers provided and made sure that nothing was lacking. He also had fame and wisdom with “men of all nations” (v.34) coming to listen to him. God answered David’s prayer for Solomon. God gave Solomon what He promised him in his dream.

Psalm 119: 1 - 88 (30th May) - Pamelia

This is one of the longest psalm in the Bible. It tells us about the Word of God. Almost every verse refers to the Word, or the law or commands or judgments or the promises or the ways of God.

God promises to bless those who do what He commands. He will also bless those who obey His laws and walk in His ways. No matter how young we are, we too can live a pure life if only we obey the Word of God. We must obey God simply because He is God! But of course it is much better to obey Him because we love Him.

The psalmist prayed for life and light so that he could know and understand God’s wonderful word. The whole Bible contains many wonderful things and we should pray that the Lord will open our minds so that we can understand better.

Again, the writer asked God for life. He confessed his own ways and asked for strength to do God’s will and he promised to follow God’s laws. He also asked the Lord to teach him to keep him from shame and sin.

Next he asked the Lord for mercy so that he answer his enemies. He asked for the Word of truth to be convicted in him. If we love the Lord, it is easy to speak about Him! When the world laughs at us, we can turn to God for joy because nevertheless we have kept His commands. Singing praises to the Lord will lighten our Spirit and give us hope in God again!

1 Kings 1 - 2, Psalm 37, 71, 94 (29th May) - Joshua

Name your son Solomon and He will be wise!

What a nonsensical claim! But that name and wisdom are synonymous through time. So much so that even non christians know that. But we know that wisdom is neither mythical or exclusive through the beginnings of Solomon's Kingship.

Little is written about the Solomon and David's relationship, but I believe their lives together played an important role of Solomon's formative years. From the commissioning and conduct of Solomon (1 Kings 1-2) to the Psalms of david (particularly 37, 71 & 94). We can see the intertwine of their lives. Father instructing son. Son follows instructions. For sure, Solomon takes after His father. Like any good Hebrew father, I can imagine Solomon, as a young prince, spending time in the courts of his father. David cajoling Solomon to confess his first crush. Teaching him the gentleman's way to treat a hebrew maiden. Hours sweating, iron blades clashing, David coaches his son the ways of the sword. Mornings on the breakfast table, debating about the rise in iron prices in Gath, the politics and wars in Egypt. David singing psalms 94, telling solomon the dramatic story of his days of wilderness under the evening jerusalem twilight. I may be exaggerating. But if you read psalm 37 and imagine David saying those words to Solomon. You'll get my point. - Wisdom starts from God and is cultivated.

Solomon asked - I'm writing beyond my reading. Read 1 Kings 3:7-9. Solomon realizes that human wisdom, be it gifted since young, taught by his father, or self-learnt - has a limit (v7-8) Asking for something means acknowledging your lack. Wisdom comes to the "gifted" few because they asked perhaps? Humbling yourself and ask of God will open you to ways you've never seen.

Solomon listened - Psalm 71:17 "Since my youth, O God, you have taught me.." Not only is Wisdom given by God to those who lacks it. It is taught and trained. Again and Again. Till we listen and internalise it. Psalm 94:12 encourages us to see discipline as a blessing. "Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law." In our youth, listening every week's sermon, to the words of our spiritual parents will reap a harvest of life in due time. If God said His word doesn't return to His Father void, but accomplishes what it was sent out for, (see Isaiah 55:11), doesn't take give us a motivation to endure? This week in prayer, God spoke into my life, that when your life is about someone else, you'll see God provide. David who survived countless grieves and murder attempts, sees God's promise and provision true when He sees his son Solomon rise up to be King. Take heart. For those who sow in tears will reap in Joy.

Solomon obeyed - We read Solomon's statements and story in the printed words of the bible. But Solomon is far from just a man of words. His actions was shown immediately upon his commissioning. He discerned evil and eradicate it without apprehension (read 1 Kings 2:22-46), even up against the demands of his mother! His wise ruling was testament in 1 Kings 3. He was a man who not only listened to instructions but follows them. Completely.

We all long to be regarded as a man or woman of wisdom. But the wise people of the bible is marked by humility, brokeness, hard work, discipline, endurance. So much more that we can only come before God like Solomon did, and admit our insufficiency and surrendering our lives for His purpose. As recipients of His word, let us lay hold of the promise that God will accomplish what He desire and achieve the purpose for which He sent His word (Isaiah 55:11). Let us regard less of our appearance but our endurance. We and our children will be wise when we ask of God, listen and obey.

Psalms 111 - 118 (28th May) - Sylvia

The psalmist sings praises to our Lord for His love and mercy, His grace, righteousness and compassion and faithfulness to the people. He also shows God's special heart for the poor and needy, blessing them and protecting them, providing for them. God will strike the wicked and those who try to harm His people.

Thank God for sending Jesus to die for us on the cross. Let's constantly remind ourselves of the Lord's great love for all of us before we do anything.. let it be a self-check for us.

His love endures forever!!

1 Chronicles 26 - 29, Psalm 127 (27th May) - Vivien

1 Chron 26 – 27
This is a continuation of the previous chapters of the different duties. In chapter 26 it is a record of the gatekeepers, treasurers and other officials. Chapter 27 is a record of the army divisions, officers and the King’s overseers. Everything was so orderly.

1 Chron 28
In this chapter David announced his plan of building a temple for God through his son Solomon, as God has chosen him. the requirement of the temple was revealed to David and passed on to Solomon to start the work.

In verse 20 - 21:
“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.’”

God is our best supporter! If He has started something with you, He will finish it! Don’t lose hope in what you are doing now but fix your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.

1 Chron 29
In this last chapter of 1 Chronicles, it was a happy ending. It was a moment of celebration where Solomon was appointed and anointed king. And this also marked the end of David’s reign. For David, in verse 8 it recorded that he died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honour.

Psalm 127
This psalm reflects Solomon’s understanding of God. He knew that without God, he is nothing. He is really a man of wisdom, who understanding God’s favourite group of people - Children!!! This is the psalm that gave birth to the name of TOUCH Young Arrow!!! Children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior. Children are blessings from God. In TYA we are serving a blessed group, where the Kingdom of God belong to such as them. I truly encourage Livingstones to join in and be part of TYA by being a volunteer! You can touch lives! Do you believe that? =)

Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143 - 145 (26th May) - Pamelia

Psalm 131
This psalm of David shows that he was truly great man. Some people get a high position and become very proud. When David was a young man, his brother Eliab was angry with him and said that David was proud, 1 Samuel 17:28, but even when he became king, he was not proud. The man who really knows God is always humble. In the last verse, David called on Israel to hope in the Lord forever.

The Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as a humble Man, Matthew 11:29; 21:5; Philippians 2:8. His followers should never be proud, Colossians 3:12.

Psalm 138
This psalm is a praise psalm where David gave thanks to the Lord with his whole heart, with everything he had. He did this before the rulers, and in the temple of God. God made His name and His word to be most important. God’s names tell us what He is like, and we can learn these names from His word. His words and promises are always true so men can trust in His Name. God had promised to answer David’s prayers and he praised Him for doing so.

We know God’s character through His word and also through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:14,18.

David may have been the only king in the world at that time who was singing praise to Jehovah, but some day all kings will praise Him. They will hear the Word of God and will sing about His ways, the way He does things. One thing God often does, He brings down men who are proud and sets up those who are humble.

The Lord can do anything and David thanked Him for saving his life. He was sure that God would work out His own plan for him and asked Him not to leave him alone.

The most important thing for any son of God is to be in God’s plan for him. Sometimes we try to make our own plans, and fail to do what God wants. The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to do His Father’s will, and we should try to know God’s will and do it at all times.

Psalm 139
In this psalm the Holy Spirit tells us through David a great deal about God. The Psalm is a song of praise, but the last part is a prayer to God.

This psalm teaches us that God knows everything. He knew David’s thoughts, his ways and his words. God laid His hand on His servant to keep him from sin. David did not understand how God could know everything.

Also, God is everywhere. He is in heaven, but we cannot escape from Him by going to the place of dead people. If we go to distant lands, the Lord will keep us dafely with His right hand. God can see us in the dark, because He is Light.

Then the Spirit teaches us that God can do anything. Many Psalms tell about God’s wonderful power, but here David spoke about a little baby growing before it is born. God tells us some of His thoughts, and they are indeed very wonderful; David cound not even count them.

God is also righteous. David knew that God would punish wicked men and he did not want to be like them when He did so, David hated these men because they were God’s enemies.

The Lord Jesus told us to love our enemies, but we know that God must judge sinners. He is right and they are wrong; we are on God’s side.

The word also tells us that God is love. Here we see that God loves men because He took care of David and kept him from sin. He asked God to test his thoughts, to show him if there was any sin in his heart, and to lead him in the right way.

This is eternal life: to know God and to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 17:3

The whole bible tells us about God, but this little psalm in 24 verses tells us a great deal about Him. We should praise God for what He is and ask Him to help us do what will please Him.

Psalm 143
Daivd asked God to hear him and to answer him because He is righteous. Still he remembered that no one is righteous in God’s sight; if He called us to judge us, He would find all men to be guilty. David’s enemy almost succeeded in killing him. David thought of his early life when the Lord had helped him and now he wished that the Lord was near him again.

David called on Jehovah to answer his prayer quickly because he thought he might die. He asked the Lord to save him and asked that the Holy Spirit would show him God’s way.

In the last part, David asked God to save his life because He is a righteous God. David was God’s servant and he prayed that He would cut off all Hid enemies.

If we serve God we can trust Him to take care of us. We do not say that we have not committed any sin in God’s sight, but we can trust Him to help us when our enemies would like to get us out of the way.

Psalm 144
David wrote this psalm after he had become king of Israel. In the first part he praise the Lord for helping him. The Lord taught him how to fight and protected him from his enemies. David asked why God should pay any attention to men, who can live in this world only for a short time.
David then prayed that the Lord would save him from men who came from other countires, who did not tell the truth. He promised to sing songs of praise to God for this victory.

The last part of Psalm 144 is a prayer that God would bless the nation of Israel. The kind wanted the young people to be strong. He prayed that they would have enough food to eat and that their animals would have plenty of young. The people would be happy because Jehovah was their God.

We can be happy even though we are not rich IF the Lord is our God. Real life is to know God, not to own many things in this world. Luke 12:15. If we know what God wants, we will be happy IF we do it. John 13:!7.

Psalm 145
David wrote about 75 psalms and Psalms 145 is the last of these in the book of Psalms. It is a song of praise to the Lord, like the other psalms at the end of the book. Here each verse begins with a different Hebrew letter, like psalms 37 and 119 and others. For example verse 2 begins with B and verse 4 with D. We learn from this that all human lanuages is needed to properly praise God.

David praised God because He is great! Notice the word great in verse 3. Older people should tell those who are younger about the works of Jehovah. David and all men will tell of God’s wonderful works.

God is also very good. Men should praise Him because He is righteous, merciful and good to all men. All God’s works and all God’s people will give Him praise. They will make known His glory and power to all men, because He will be King forever.

In the last part of the psalm we read of God’s love. He holds men so they will not fall into sin, and He lifts them up if they do fall. Both men and animals looks to God and He gives them the food they need. The Lord is righteous and kind in everything He does. He is near when we truly call on Him for help, but He must judge all men. David promised to praise the Lord and called on all men to do the same.

Thanks be to God, He is both our Saviour and King!

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise!
Charles Wesley

1 Chronicles 23 - 25 (25th May) - Weiling

God had called David’s son Solomon, instead of him, to build the house of God (1 Chron 22: 7-10). David saw that his son was young and inexperienced (1 Chron 22: 5) and made ample preparations for the house of God which was to be magnificent and glorious.
King David was old and it is likely that he knew he was going to pass on, thus he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

King David then called together the sons of Levi, or the Levites, to appoint them to their duties in serving in the house of God. He did so with the same dedication and effort that he put in gathering the materials for the house of God.

The Levites were people set apart to minister unto God at the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle used to be carried around the people of God traveled and journeyed. But now, “the Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever”. The Levites no longer have to carry the Tabernacle and utensils around. I’m sure at that time; the people of Israel must have felt that “Finally! We can settle down, and God’s presence will reside in this house!”

The Levites needed to be appointed in their duties. The casting of lots was used in the appointing of the priests, singers, and their order of ministering. (1 Chron 24: 5, 31; 25: 8) The drawing of lots ensured impartiality and that everyone was treated the same; regardless of the order of their birth or their father’s birth. Young and old, teachers and students; all of them stood the same chance for their duties. In appointing the holy and important positions, it was up to God to decide and not for men to choose.

Often, the choices of men are “coloured” by traditions, prejudices and how things appear. We often make the choice ourselves and then expect God to bless our decision without seeking Him in the first place. We neglect to revere Him in our decisions. Today, ask yourself, who decides in your life? Who is the master?
Is there a decision you have to make? Take time to seek God. He is waiting for you to speak to you and to give you wisdom. God loves you and has your welfare at heart. Make God the Master of your life :)

''For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." – Jeremiah 29:11-13

Psalms 108 - 110 (24th May)

Today's Blog Summary:

Refer to http://livingstonesmama.blogspot.com/

God bless

1 Chronicles 21 - 22, 2 Samuel 24, Psalm 30 (23rd May) - Li Juan

1 Chronicles 21, 2 Samuel 24
Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to count the fighting men. Joab tried to stop him yet was not successful. Joab numbered 1100000 men in Israel who could handle the sword, yet did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering because of the king’s abhorrent command, and this command was also evil in God’s sight. Thus, God punished Israel.

The Lord gave 3 options to David through Gad:
1) 3 years of famine
2) 3 months of being swept away before the enemies with their swords overtaking him
3) 3 days of plague in the land with the Lord’s angel ravaging every part of Israel

David chose the third and the 3-day plague killed 70000 men of Israel. God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but He was grieved when He saw the calamity and He stopped the angel. David, who had sinned and done wrong in the first place, pled for God to not let this plague remain on the people. The plague stopped after David’s offering. David was then told to build an altar at the threshing floor where the angel had stood. However, David could not go before the altar to inquire of the Lord because he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord.

1 Chronicles 22
David made extensive preparation of the materials for building the temple for the Lord, which is to be of great magnificent, fame and splendor in the sight of all nations. Solomon, David’s son, was then charged to build the house for the Lord. David could not do it himself as he had shed blood and waged war. However, Solomon would be a man of rest and peace, and Israel would be granted peace and quiet during his reign.

David encouraged Solomon. “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as He said you would. May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Then, David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon, and commanded them to devote their heart and soul to seeking the Lord, and to build the temple for the Name of the Lord.

Psalm 30
God lifted us from our depths, and brought us up from our graves. He is the one who can turn our mourning into dancing, our sorrows in to joy. Let us all devote our heart and soul to seek the Lord!

Psalms 95, 97 - 99 (22nd May) - Sylvia

Psalm 95
This psalm was written by David as he was led by the Holy Spirit

V 1-7 The spirit calls the people to rejoice and worship the Lord
V 8-11 He warns them not to turn away from God

God loves to hear His people praise and worship Him. But God also knew that His men may praise Him for a while before turning away from Him thus the reminder in v8.
The people of Israel did not trust in the Lord when they were in the desert, speaking against Him and showing unbelief in His word thus they were made to wander for forty years and none could enter the promised land (except for Caleb and Joshua)

**Let’s make worship to God a lifestyle EVERYDAY (Monday to Sunday), and not just during church service. We can worship God and yet still cause Him to be sad and angry when we do not trust and believe His Word.

Psalm 97
This psalm speaks of the glory of God and proclaims His righteousness. It shows us how Jehovah rules as king, that even other gods have to bow down before Him. Our God is ALMIGHTY.

Rmb v10:

“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”

This verse speaks of how the Lord deals with his enemies and how he protects those who are faithful to Him. Let’s all be servants of God ok?

Psalm 98
In this psalm, the Holy Spirit calls upon Israel to remember God’s love and the victory He has given to them. It is also for the whole earth to know and be reminded of God’s love for them so we can all sing and dance and praise Him with our lips.

Psalm 99
We are called to praise Jehovah simply because He is our King.
We should praise the Lord because He is good but also remember that He is a holy God who hates evil. We should love and fear Him.

2 Samuel 22 & 23, Psalms 57 (21st May)

2 Samuel 22

This chapter recorded the song from David when the Lord delivered him from the hands of his enemies and from Saul (v1). It was a song that praises the Lord for what He has done and what David proclaimed God to be his:-

• Rock (v1)
• Fortress (v1)
• Deliverer (v1)
• Shield (v3)
• Salvation (v3)
• Stronghold (v3)
• Refuge (v3)
• Savior (v3)
• Support (v19)
• Lamp (v29)

2 Samuel 23

Recorded David last words.
3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.'

Be a leader that leads in righteousness and be one that fears the Lord.
This chapter also recorded David’s mighty men.

Psalms 57

This is a David’s prayer when he fled away from Saul into the cave. David begins with prayer and complaint (v 1-6). He concludes with joy and praise (v 7-11).

Psalms 5, 38, 41, 42 (20th May) - Li Juan

Psalm 5
God is a God who hates and abhors all who do wrong. It is because of His mercy that we can come into His presence and take refuge in Him.

Psalm 38
We cannot rejoice when God is not with us. We are like the mute and the deaf, with ears yet cannot hear, with mouth yet cannot speak. Cry out to God for Him to come and save you, not taking Him for granted but truly rejoicing that we have a savior like Him. Let Him be the reason you smile.

Psalm 41
The Lord sees those who have regards for the weak. He sees what you go through to uphold His name; illness, slander, malice, diseases, betrayal. He will bless you, sustain you, and heal you because of all that you do to please Him.

Psalm 42
When we truly learn how to put our hope in God, our souls would not be downcast anymore. Let Him quench your thirst, and that you can go around spreading His love and proclaiming His goodness. Remember Him all the time; day time, night time, good times, bad times.

2 Samuel 19 - 21 (19th May) - Stephanie

2 Samuel 19

David went into mourning for his son, Absalom, ignoring the victory his troops. Joab confronted David on this, telling him to go encourage his men instead.

The people of Israel were confused as to who the king now is after Absalom died. David asked the priest to ask the elders of Judah to bring him back as king, announcing the Amasa would replace Joab as commander of the army and Judah insisted for David to return as king. When David made it back to the Jordan River, many rushed to meet him there.

Shimei confessed his sin of cursing David before David and asked for forgiveness. David did not kill Shimei but spared his life.

Mephibosheth (grandson of Saul), also came to David, revealing that Ziba had betrayed him while he has remained faithful to David. David ordered Ziba and Mephibosheth to divide the fields that was once Saul’s but Mephibosheth wanted Ziba to have them all. Mephibosheth felt that David’s return to Jerusalem as king was already a great reward to him.

David attempted to reward the 80 year old Barzillai who had given provisions to David and his men but Barzillai declined and offered him Kimham instead. All Barzillai wanted was to return to his hometown.

The men of Israel argued loudly with the men of Judah for bringing the king back without including them. Trouble then started to brew amongst the people.

2 Samuel 20

Sheba, a Benjamite was not ready to have David back as king, so he created trouble, sounded the trumpet and led another rebellion. Most of Israel followed him. But Judah remained loyal to David and returning with him to his palace in Jerusalem. The ten concubines were still at the palace where David had left them, he found them, confined them till their death dates. He never slept with them while they were in confinement.

David had replaced Joab with Amasa to lead his troops but Amasa took longer than his 3 day deadline to gather the men of Judah to fight Sheba. So David sent Abishai instead. Joab went with them and used deceit to get close to Amasa, stabbing him with a dagger, causing Amasa to die. After Amasa’s body was dragged off the road, Joab’s and Abishai’s men continued following reports of Sheba and eventually found his whereabouts in a city. They intended to destroy the city together with Sheba but a wise woman negotiated with them to use another way so as to save the city. Sheba’s head would be thrown over the wall to them instead. This method satisfied Joab. Sheba’s head was thrown over the wall and Joab sounded the trumpet and headed home with the men. The leadership of Israel’s army was eventually retained by Joab.

2 Samuel 21

During David’s reign, there was a 3 year famine in Israel. David sought the Lord on this and he heard from the Lord that the famine was the cause of Saul’s blood-stained house against the Gibeonites.

David called for the Gibeonites and asked to make amends. They asked for 7 of Saul’s descendents, of which 2 were sons of Rizpah (Saul’s concubine), 5 were sons of Merab (Saul’s daughter). They were handed over to the Gibeonites and got killed. Rizpah mourned over the sons’ bodies. Then David had the bones of Saul and Jobnathan moved to Saul’s father Kish’s tomb and the bones of these 7 men were gathered as well. Then God resumed answering prayer for Israel.

Then later part of this chapter talks on the war with the Philistines, who still had large and mighty warriors, descendents from the Rapha. Abishai rescued David from the Rapha descendent before and he and his men refused to let David join them at war after than. They wanted to protect David as the “lamp of Israel”. David’s men were able to kill 3 more of the giant Philistines, including one with 12 fingers and toes.

Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61, 64 (18th May) - Ivy

Psalm 26 – God is Blameless
Definition of vindicate: To vindicate is to justify, defending or maintaining a position.

While reading this Psalm of David, I hear the Lord ask:

Am I trying to lead a blameless life? Or Have I set my heart to lead a blameless life?

If the Lord examines our heart today, what can He find?

Psalm 40 – God is trust-worthy
What is the desire of your heart today?
Are you trusting the Lord to fulfil the need or cry in your heart? Let’s look at verse 4 which says:
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Do you trust the Lord that His hands is in every situation of your life? To fulfil your every need? If not? What are you trusting in? What and who are you turning to today?
Wont you make the Lord your trust and receive His blessings for you?

If you have received blessings from the Lord, are you hiding them in the closet or are you saying this to the Lord (V10):
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly

Psalm 58 – God is our Judge
Is there a vengeance in your heart? Someone you can’t forgive?
Would you forgive that person and trust the Lord to be your judge? Would hold your peace and you say (verse 11):
"Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."

Psalm 61 – God is our refuge
I’ll like to highlight verse 8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Whatever situation you’re in, wont you trust the Lord to be your refuge and run to Him only?

Psalm 64 – God is the ultimate Victor
Can anyone identify a situation where you felt that all forces are against you? Is anyone fighting a spiritual battle? If you’re fighting for your friend, family or even your own life, take heart!

Because the ultimate Victor is God. See verse 7:
But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down.

Do note that the ‘them’ are not people who are against us, but are the powers of darkness.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Summary:
Psalm 26 – God is Blameless
Psalm 40 – God is trust-worthy
Psalm 58 – God is our Judge
Psalm 61 – God is our refuge
Psalm 64 – God is the ultimate Victor

What is the condition of your heart today?
Knowing God’s character (as summarised above), how would you react to that with regards to what you’re experiencing right now?
How can we model after God’s character?
Have any thoughts to share? Email: titanvy@yahoo.co.uk

2 Samuel 16 - 18 (17th May) - Li Juan

David and Ziba
David met Ziba; a false servant of Mephibosheth (David’s grandson) . He brought many items to David and found favor in his eyes. David then told him that all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now his.

Shimei curses David
Shimei (a man from the same clan as Saul) casted stones and cursed David and his officials and troops. Abishai was unhappy with the cursing and wanted to cut off his head, yet David stopped him because David knows the Lord has told him to do so.

The Advice of Hushai and Ahithophel
Ahithophel’s advices were like those inquired of God, hence David and Absalom always regarded his advices. He advised Absalom to lie with David’s concubines whom David left at the palace and David did. He suggested choosing 12000 men and setting out in pursuit of David, wanting to attack him when he is weak and bringing back all the other people unharmed.

However, Hushai was against the idea as David and his soldiers were well-known to be brave and experienced fighters. Instead, he advised to gather people from all of Israel to attack David wherever he may be. Absalom and all the men of Israel preferred Hushai’s advices, yet Hushai informed David about all that was happening. David led his men to cross the Jordan and escaped. Ahithophel committed suicide when his advice was not followed. David and his people went to Mahanaim and they were well fed and provided for.

Absalom’s Death
David sent out his troops in thirds, with Joab, Abishai and Ittai leading a third each. He wanted to march out with them yet upon request, he did not as his life was worth ten thousand of the men. He commanded the trios and their troops to be gentle with Absalom. In the forest of Ephraim, the army of Israel was totally defeated by David’s men. Absalom was riding his mule and his head got caught in a tree. Joab plunged 3 javelins in to his heart and his armor bearers struck and killed him. They threw Absalom into a big pit and piled a large pile of rocks over him. Absalom erected a Absalom’s Monument in the King’s Valley during his lifetime.

David Mourns
David was devastated when he heard about Absalom’s death, and he wept and mourned.

Psalms 3, 4, 12, 13, 55 (16th May) - Vivien

Psalm 3
Here are some key points to highlight:
1) God is my shield – v3
2) The Lord sustains me – v5
3) I will not fear my enemies – v6
4) Real help comes from God – v8

Psalm 4
Do read the Message version for this psalm, quite interesting the way it is written.
God listens to all our prayer. John Wesley said that God does nothing but in answer to prayer. So be confident that God has heard your prayer, and he will answer your pray in His time.

Are there rooms for complaints? Will I be charged of the sin of “talking behind other people’s back”? Even in our daily life, if we disturbed by the behaviour of someone, be it a member of the public or an employee of a company or even a student in school, complaints are made to the one who has authority, simply because we know that they are able to investigate and do something constructive to improve the situation. So I guess if we complain it directly to God, we will not be charged. As He is perfect enough to handle our complaints. And even by complaining to Him, He might reveal something about ourselves, or what action to take.

In verse 4 -5 (The Msg):
Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

So is there room for complaint? Yes, just do it to the RIGHT PERSON.

In verse 4 (NIV) again, the Bible teach us to reflect and be silent when we are on our beds. Before we end our day, walk through how you have spent your day, and give thanks for the day and ask for forgiveness for the things that you’ve done that had hurt God.

Psalm 12
We are living in the worst time (familiar?). We are in a confused generation. In the past, life is much simpler, what is black and what is white, it is quite straightforward to most of us. Now, life is more complicated, we challenged the principles, and what used to be black and white has become grey. There are so many lies around us.

O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. (v7)

We need to equip ourselves with the Word of God, which sharper than a two-edged sword, so fight against the lies of the evil ones around us.

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (v6)

Psalm 13
Although David felt far away from God, which is hard for him to bear, he still chose to trust in God and praise Him. Can we be like David? Of course, this is a matter of choice. It is for you to decide whether in difficult times to still put your trust in God! If you find it difficult then pray and ask God for help!

Wait a minute, aren’t I feeling far away from God? Then still pray will He listen? You feel faraway from Him, doesn’t mean He is faraway from you. And we have mentioned earlier that God will listen to our prayer. And our prayer will be answered according to the measure of our faith.

Know that God is good.

Psalm 28
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom 12:2

Beware of doing what others are doing which are wrong in the eyes of the LORD. Like David, plead God that you will not be dragged away with the wicked, that you will not fall into their trap and join their club. Have you been ask to do something lately that is not right? If you can’t stop them, flee from them, DON’T JOIN IN! Satan is always setting trap for us to fall into. So be alert!

Rejoice that God will hear our prayer, and He is our strength and shield. David trusted in Him, and he is helped! Remember, we already know that ending of the story of this world. We WIN!

Psalm 55
In the midst of fear and terror, David was still able to compose a song to sing of his God who is Almighty and faithful. David has shared many of his testimonies through songs, and through all these songs they encourage us and help us understand more of God. Share your testimonies too! Then others would be encouraged and would know more about our God. And be creative in the ways you can share them like through letters, on stage, gathering, songs, raps etc…

2 Samuel 13 - 15 (15th May) - Joshua

2 samuel 13-15 shows an intriguing contrast of David and Absaloms' life decisions.

ABSALOM'S HEART - EVIL & SELF-SEEKING
Absalom killed Amnon out of revenge. Guilt & fear caused him to flee. His unrepentant heart grew more malicious in 2 Sam 15:5-6

"Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him...also, when anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel." - 2 Sam 15: 5-6

Rather than protecting his father's honor, he was maliciously under-cutting him and methodically plotted a conspiracy to oust his father from the throne. (15:10-12)
What began as an understandable feat of vengence, left unchecked, grew to become a pandora box of evil. Its an irony. Absalom who stood up against rape & incest, committed the same sin he once was zealous against (2 Sam 16:21-22).

Absalom reminds me, painfully, that (despite good intentions) the heart is truly deceitful above all things. How do we guard our hearts?

DAVID'S HEART - COMPASSION & HUMILITY
"Then the King said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,' then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." - 2 Samuel 15:25-26

David was laterally telling God, "God, please leave me. Don't wonder in the desert with me. I'm not worthy of your company."
That was how David regarded himself before God. He cared for God more than his welfare and safety.

Now, David is King of Israel, an experienced fighter brazened with years of conquest (17:8), he had the special forces with him. Wouldn't it be easy to launch a counter offensive to reclaim His kingdom? Precisely because david chose to love. He loved his son more than riches or stature. Why mercy above might? Perhaps he hanged on a hope that his son may repent?
One thing's for sure. David gave all his heart to his son/to God.

CONCLUSION
I do not fully agree to the way david took in not disciplining his son Absalom early. Yet we can learn from he who chose not to use his might but chose mercy in a hope that his son may repent. And we can learn from he who regarded God's presence more than his dwelling/welfare/safety.
As Jackie pullinger said "When you give all your heart till you have no heart left, you'll get God's heart." The best way to guard our hearts is to give it all up. As you press on to bless the 100,000, Let's give all your heart for a Father's heart.

Psalms 32, 51, 86, 122 (14th May) - Xiao Woon

Psalm 32
We can rejoice and have the joy of the Lord for Jesus’ blood has covered our sins and we’re forgiven.

Thank God for His forgiveness! Confess our sins to the Lord and He’ll forgive us. Our God does not hesitate to forgive us. As long as we have the heart n sincerity to repent of our sins, He’ll definitely forgive us.

Many times, we may see sin as if there are different levels of seriousness of sins, big or small sins. Sometimes we may compromise the small sins in our lives and say it’s ok. Then big sins or hidden sins we may find that we cannot even forgive ourselves. But to God, there’s no difference in the kind of sin we commit because they’re all the same, fallen short of the glory of God, and they are all serious, big or small. But thank God for His grace and mercy.

Let us not compromise the small sins in our lives, but to repent of them. Also, for the big or hidden sins, let us not run away from God for fear that He’ll judge us or that He won’t forgive us, and let us not hide them from Him for He knows everything. Instead, confess those sins to God and BELIEVE that He forgives every one of our sins and that He does not judge us. As you believe that He’s already forgiven you, you must also learn to forgive yourself. Embrace that joy of the Lord and rejoice for the righteousness that we can have in the Lord for Jesus has taken all the curses and transgressions upon Himself for us so that we may be righteous before God. Let there be no guilt for guilt does not come from God. (Psalm 103:12)

Also, something very important that I learnt recently is that we must also forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. I learnt from the Jackie Pullinger conference that He forgives us even when He knows that we will sin again. He forgives us whether or not we will change. In the same way, we must also forgive whoever who has hurt us or did us wrong in any way. This is not easy because when you have been hurt by someone very deeply, it is just so difficult to forgive that person because whenever you see that person, you will be reminded of the things that that person did to hurt you. But remember that we have to forgive as the Lord forgave, and with God’s help, it is possible to forgive that person. And you have only truly forgiven that person when you do not see that person as someone who has hurt you.

Psalm 51
This was how David prayed for forgiveness from the Lord. A prayer of repentance.

God knows our heart. He knows whether we really want to repent of our sins or are we just repenting for the sake of repenting. So don’t pretend to repent. Repent because you really want to have a 180 degree change and rid off that sin.

Verse 17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart- These, O God, You will not despise.”
Indeed, the best sacrifice we can give to the Lord is our broken spirit and contrite heart.

Thank God that He washes us of our sins. Whenever we repent, we nail our sins to the cross and God gives us a blank white paper to start all over again. Praise Him=)

Psalm 86
Verse 5: “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

Thank God that He is always ready to forgive, even before we confess our sins.

Psalm 122
This psalm talks about the joy of going to the house of the Lord.

This made me think: what’s our attitude of going service every Sunday? Or what’s our attitude of spending time daily with the Lord? Do we enter into His presence with joy? Or is it just a routine, something that is right and that we, as Christians, should do? Is it a Christian duty to go service, to serve, to read the bible?

Of course, we all know the right attitude that we should have when we do all these things of the Lord or enter His house. Many times the devil may tell you otherwise, and make you feel as though all these are just what you should do, and that you don’t have the joy etc. Be careful and constantly remind yourself that Christianity is not about a religion, it’s a relationship with God. I believe we’re happy whenever we’re going to meet our good friends or something right? In the same way, when we have a relationship with God, we’ll be excited to meet up with Him!

Let us all have the joy of meeting up with one another in service and cell group meetings, and most importantly, with God =)

2 Sam 11 & 12, 1 Chronicles 20 (13th May) - Weiling

David was known to be “a man after God’s heart”.
However, we see today how he too had sinned against God by committing adultery and masterminding the death of one of his loyal servant.

1 Chron 20 laid out the setting of that time.
It was a time
When Kings Go Out to War
Yet King David remained in Jerusalem. We see in 1 Chron 20 that Joab was leading the armed forces. David’s other Mighty Men (read 1 Chron 11: 10-47 for the entire list of David’s mighty men) like Sibbecai and Elhanan were also fighting for him in war, winning victories. We see later that David only led his men out to Rabbath to fight when Joab asked him to do so. If David didn’t do so, Joab was going to capture Rabbath for himself.

Thus the episode began with King David idling at home when other kings were at war. He arose from his bed in the evening. Perhaps he couldn’t sleep. He became restless and bored and took a stroll on his roof (perhaps people in that culture and time walk on roofs though it certainly sounds peculiar to us now!). And that’s when he saw what he shouldn’t have seen.

Beautiful Bathsheba Bathing.
And what his eyes saw and desired, he began to lust after. He sent for her and slept with her. He knew she was someone’s wife (2 Sam 11:3). He knew she was of the wife of no other, but his faithful servant Uriah the Hittite. He was one of David’s Mighty Men (1 Chron 11:10-47), people who fought bravely for David and were loyal to him. And at that very moment, Uriah the Hittite was out in the battle field fighting wars for David. David knew he was doing wrong.

A Murder Plan is Hatched
After David slept with Bathesheba, she became pregnant. David tried to cover up by getting Uriah the Hittite back. He hoped that if Uriah came back and slept with his wife, it would not be so obvious then that Bathsheba became pregnant because she slept with someone else. Alas, his plot was foiled because Uriah was a righteous man. Uriah felt that he should not be enjoying himself while his band of brothers was fighting in the open field, and when the ark was still in a temporary shelter. Uriah was indeed a loyal man.

And so David had to devise other plans to cover up.
David sent a letter and instructed Joab to have Uriah killed in the battlefield.
When Uriah the Hittite went back to fight David’s wars, Joab was instructed to pull the other men away from Uriah where the fighting was fiercest so that Uriah would be overwhelmed by the enemies and killed. It would simply appear to one of the casualties of war but it was in fact an utter betrayal of loyalty.

And so Uriah the Hittite died and Bathsheba was taken in to be another of David’s wife shortly. All these, the Lord saw and they were evil in His sight.

The Poor Man and his Little Ewe
God sent Nathan to speak to David through a parable to show to him just how evil and cruel thing he had done. God probably sent Nathan to speak David because he had become callous to his sin and failed to realise the severity of his actions. If Nathan had approached David directly to talk to him about his sins, he might have tried to rationalise things and defend himself, like how we often do when become steeped in our sins.

David had many wives and great riches. God said that if that had been too little, He would have added many more! But what David was to take away the only and the little that Uriah had.

Repentance & Repercussion
We see in 2 Sam 12: 13 that David confessed his sin and truly repented. God was faithful to forgive and take away David’s sins so that he will not die. Indeed, as it is written in 1 John 1:9 too, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

However, even though David was forgiven, there were still repercussions and consequences to be faced because of what he did.
Because of his sin, David had given “occasion to enemies of the Lord to blaspheme”, thus the son that was born to David and Bathsheba had to die. (2 Sam 12: 14)

Similarly, we sometimes too have to face the consequences for our sins. For example, out of envy, you told a lie against a friend. God will forgive you when confess our sins and repent. But as a consequence, you may lose that friend.

Let us not take sin lightly and by doing so grieve the Holy Spirit and give Satan an opportunity.

David’s Response
David sought to plead with God and intercede on behalf of his ailing child. He fasted and refused to get up from the ground. His behaviour worried his servants. However, his response after his child died puzzled his servants. They were worried David would be overwhelmed by grief seeing that he was already not eating before his child died. Instead he got up and ate and behaved normally. The servants expected David to behave emotionally and interpreted his behaviour through that line of thought. But David was pleading with God because He knew God alone could save his son. In the end, David still submitted everything to God.

In the same way, let us not be overcome by emotions in our situations; let us instead commit all things to God in prayer and to submit everything and their outcome to God.

Beloved of the Lord
God blessed David and Bathsheba with another child, Solomon, who was to become one of the richest and wisest king who ever lived. Solomon also had the honour of being chosen by God to continue genealogy from David and through his descendants to the Lord Jesus. And indeed God loved this child that He named him “loved by the Lord”. This child also truly showed that God had indeed forgiven David and Bathsheba and remembered their sin no more.