Psalm 6
What does it feel like knowing and having someone you respect attacking you? After David had defeated Goliath, King Saul had become jealous of him and attempted to kill him many times. Maybe there are times when we feel the whole world is against us, even your loves ones, nothing is going smooth. Feeling tired? Feeling like giving up? Read Psalm 6 then. David’s “enemy” was out to get his life! He felt sad, VERY sad.
“I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.” v6-7
Will you choose to drown in your sorrows or will you choose to be like David in v8-10:
“Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.”
Psalm 8-10
May the name of our LORD, Jesus Christ, be exalted on high! Be reminded how great He is! Also remember how precious you are to God:
“what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” v4-5
In Psalm 10, it says about the very heart of God – the weak and the oppressed. Although sometimes, even we see it in drama shows, the wicked seems to be prosperous, it usually ends with the wicked one having his retribution. God don’t take things lightly, and He will protect His people!
Psalm 14
Has the world become more evil today? Earlier on it talks about the weak and the oppressed, now it talks about the poor. Fear not for the LORD will be their refuge and restore their fortune. Then Jacob (when they were poor) will rejoice and Israel (when they have become prosperous) will be glad.
Psalm 16
Anyone feeling insecure today? Will you just trust God to provide that security? Like in this Psalm, David expressed his belief that God will be in-charged of his life as he said in v2
“I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’”
Know that our God is Almighty. When we truly realize that fact, we will be able to rejoice in any circumstances. However, we often forget, and try to do things our way, and so we end up in bad shape. Like in the previous entry, Stephanie reminded us that it is always wise to ask of God before making decisions and plans. So once again, you are reminded to ask God before acting. This actually puts your faith into practice. If you believe in Jesus Christ, then you should ask Him, and believe that He will tell you. Mind you, He is our LIVING God.
Psalm 19
This is a Psalm that glorifies God. It also reflects the character of God. He is loving, righteous, just and holy. And so how should we should?
“By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” V11-14
Remember to store heavenly rewards, and not worldly ones. For which will last longer, and which is better?
Psalm 21
David thanked God for the favours and victories that he was given. Our God is a god who answers prayers. Many evil plans can scheme to put us down, but be sure that God knows everything and so He is in control. Also, we mustn’t forget about spiritual warfare. There is constant a warfare in the spiritual realm and we should fight together knowing that the victories is ours to claim! Let us always remember to exalt and sing and praise Him for His strength and might!
After reading these psalms 2 things struck me:
1) Faith – Are we able to always express to God so honestly and believe that He is listening to your woes? Are we able to praise Him like how David does it whether the circumstance is good or bad? Are our relationships with God sustainable? I’m amazed at the level of intimacy that David had with God, and this is only possible when faith is present. Let us desire for that level of intimacy first by increasing our faith!
2) Influence – As I was reading the psalms, there are notes under the heading “For the director of music”. And then it reminded me of David Tao. He is a singer and music producer in the Chinese music industry. King David used psalms to influence the lives of many through the Bible, David Tao uses his music career to influence lives, especially Black Tangerine which was produced in response to the 9/11 incident. Music, songs are ways to enter into the heart of people. To those young inspirational songwriters in Livingstones, keep it up and don’t give up! Most importantly share, who knows, your songs can be an influence!
Another point is a celebrity has the power of influence many. They are taken as a point of reference. So we should support our senior pastor, Apostle Khong for working hard towards being a celebrity in China. Let us be reminded to pray for success of the 20-part drama series that he will be acting in. Too bad it is only screening in China… =P
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
2 Samuel 1 - 4 (21st April) - Stephanie
2 Samuel is a continuation of 1 Samuel and it all centers on one man -- David. Let us look at Chapters 1 to 4 today and trace the road leading to dominion by David before his reign as king only over the tribe of Judah and was crowned as king over all twelve tribes of Judah and Israel.
2 Samuel 1
After fighting and defeating some of the Amalekites, David was back home in Ziglag when he heard that Saul was dead. An Amalekite living among the Israelites took advantage of the situation to tell David and his men how Saul had died. He revised the story, saying that Saul’s attempt at suicide had only left him wounded, and the Amalekite had finished him off at Saul’s own request. Whether this is true or not we do not know, what we know is that the Amalekite man had hoped for David to reward him, by saying that he killed the Lord’s anointed because he had shown contempt for the Lord. David, however, had the Amalekite killed.
David then wrote a lament for the deaths of Saul and his son Jonathan.
2 Samuel 2
After a while, David inquired of the Lord if he should move to one of the towns of Judah. The Lord told him to move with his wives and all his men to Hebron where soon after, he was anointed king of Judah.
Remember that it is always wise to inquire of the Lord before making your decisions and plans. A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (Prov 16:9) He is a wonderful counselor and guide who will direct you unto the best path you can ever set your feet onto in any given situation of your life.
Saul’s commander, Abner, who believed Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, to be the rightful heir to the throne, encouraged the people to recognize Ish-Bosheth as king (2 Samuel 2:8-10). On the other hand, Joab, David’s commander, one cruel and dangerous man, found himself to be at cross-purposes with Abner (2 Samuel 2:18-32), even though Abner later goes over to David’s side.
2 Samuel 3
The transition of power from King Saul to King David was not smooth. David was busy in Hebron with his six wives (they began having quite a number of children then) and also the affairs of the state.
Abner had a falling out over a woman with Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son and temporary successor. So Abner sent word to David that they would make an agreement. David agreed to meet Abner, so long he brought David’s first wife, Michal back to him. Michal’s father Saul had actually annulled their marriage and married her to Paltiel, son of Laish instead. When Abner took Michal away from Paltiel, he followed in tears till Abner commanded him to go home.
Abner was sent off in peace later by David to present the agreement for David to become king of Israel to the people when David’s men with Joab returned from a successful raid. Joab, however could not rest until he has put Abner out of the way (2 Samuel 3:27). He hated Abner for killing his brother. He went after Abner and had him killed.
When David heard about Joab’s blood revenge, he cursed Joab and his family, but allowed Joab to live and be part of the burial ceremony. David fasted until sun set, and the word spread that David had no part in killing Abner. David told his men that Joab and his brothers were too strong but David trusted that the Lord would repay them.
2 Samuel 4
Rather than taking revenge on David, Ish-Bosheth and all Israel became afraid. Two of Ish-Bosheth’s own raiding party leaders came into his bedroom and killed him. The two men anticipated David’s pleasure when they brought him Ish-Bosheth’s head (this scenario is similar to what the Amalekite man did earlier in Chapter 1) but David had them killed for murdering Saul’s son.
Saul had then, only one surviving son left, who had been crippled since he was five when his nurse dropped him while rushing him to get him into hiding when Saul and Jonathan died at Jezreel.
The story of David is like a picture for us of what happens in a Christian's life as he gives it to God -- a place of dominion and reign. Every Christian is offered a kingdom, just as David was offered a kingdom. That kingdom is the kingdom of your own life and is exactly like the kingdom of Israel. There may be enemies threatening it from outside or from within to undermine it. Take heart to fight on, overcome because just as we see David being brought by God to the place of reigning over his kingdom, we will see how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives to bring us to the place of reigning in life by Christ Jesus.
2 Samuel 1
After fighting and defeating some of the Amalekites, David was back home in Ziglag when he heard that Saul was dead. An Amalekite living among the Israelites took advantage of the situation to tell David and his men how Saul had died. He revised the story, saying that Saul’s attempt at suicide had only left him wounded, and the Amalekite had finished him off at Saul’s own request. Whether this is true or not we do not know, what we know is that the Amalekite man had hoped for David to reward him, by saying that he killed the Lord’s anointed because he had shown contempt for the Lord. David, however, had the Amalekite killed.
David then wrote a lament for the deaths of Saul and his son Jonathan.
2 Samuel 2
After a while, David inquired of the Lord if he should move to one of the towns of Judah. The Lord told him to move with his wives and all his men to Hebron where soon after, he was anointed king of Judah.
Remember that it is always wise to inquire of the Lord before making your decisions and plans. A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (Prov 16:9) He is a wonderful counselor and guide who will direct you unto the best path you can ever set your feet onto in any given situation of your life.
Saul’s commander, Abner, who believed Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, to be the rightful heir to the throne, encouraged the people to recognize Ish-Bosheth as king (2 Samuel 2:8-10). On the other hand, Joab, David’s commander, one cruel and dangerous man, found himself to be at cross-purposes with Abner (2 Samuel 2:18-32), even though Abner later goes over to David’s side.
2 Samuel 3
The transition of power from King Saul to King David was not smooth. David was busy in Hebron with his six wives (they began having quite a number of children then) and also the affairs of the state.
Abner had a falling out over a woman with Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son and temporary successor. So Abner sent word to David that they would make an agreement. David agreed to meet Abner, so long he brought David’s first wife, Michal back to him. Michal’s father Saul had actually annulled their marriage and married her to Paltiel, son of Laish instead. When Abner took Michal away from Paltiel, he followed in tears till Abner commanded him to go home.
Abner was sent off in peace later by David to present the agreement for David to become king of Israel to the people when David’s men with Joab returned from a successful raid. Joab, however could not rest until he has put Abner out of the way (2 Samuel 3:27). He hated Abner for killing his brother. He went after Abner and had him killed.
When David heard about Joab’s blood revenge, he cursed Joab and his family, but allowed Joab to live and be part of the burial ceremony. David fasted until sun set, and the word spread that David had no part in killing Abner. David told his men that Joab and his brothers were too strong but David trusted that the Lord would repay them.
2 Samuel 4
Rather than taking revenge on David, Ish-Bosheth and all Israel became afraid. Two of Ish-Bosheth’s own raiding party leaders came into his bedroom and killed him. The two men anticipated David’s pleasure when they brought him Ish-Bosheth’s head (this scenario is similar to what the Amalekite man did earlier in Chapter 1) but David had them killed for murdering Saul’s son.
Saul had then, only one surviving son left, who had been crippled since he was five when his nurse dropped him while rushing him to get him into hiding when Saul and Jonathan died at Jezreel.
The story of David is like a picture for us of what happens in a Christian's life as he gives it to God -- a place of dominion and reign. Every Christian is offered a kingdom, just as David was offered a kingdom. That kingdom is the kingdom of your own life and is exactly like the kingdom of Israel. There may be enemies threatening it from outside or from within to undermine it. Take heart to fight on, overcome because just as we see David being brought by God to the place of reigning over his kingdom, we will see how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives to bring us to the place of reigning in life by Christ Jesus.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Psalms 121, 123 - 125, 128 - 130 (20th April) - Sylvia
Psalm 121
Hallelujah! The Lord has given His assurance that He is with us, and keeps watch over us in whatever we do. He will protect us.
Let's then be confident in what we do for we want to glorify God and shine!
Let people ask you: "eh how come you so busy, yet can still manage your time properly and not be stressed?"
You then can answer: "Cause Jesus lives in me!"
Psalm 123
This psalm is about how God's people cry out to Him to have grace and mercy on them, to stop those persecutions and bullying by outsiders for they can no longer take it and endure it any further.
Psalm 124
David wrote this psalm to praise God for delievering them from their enemies. He acknowledges that if not for God, all of them would not have been able to survive.
Thank God for being by our side and ALWAYS rescuing us from trouble.
We need to acknowledge and give thanks to God for everything in our lives. FULL dependence on Him is the way to go, not half, or a little, but ALL of our hearts, souls and minds.
Psalm 125
This song reminds us to trust in the Lord at ALL times even in times of uncertainty or when the future looks bleak. Because God already planned everything for us and knows what we will go through. His love endures forever.
v4 "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart"
v5 "But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers"
Take special heed of this verse. I am reminded of Ps Melvyn Mak's sermon a while back on reaping and sowing. Indeed, we reap what we sow.
So scary and saddening to imagine that backsliders are grouped together with evil-doers and there will come a time when God will just turn His back on them.
Let's not take God's forgiveness and Jesus's death on the cross for granted, but rather run back to His waiting arms.
Psalm 128
Fear the Lord. A God-fearing person will not want to do anything that is against God's word. These are the blessed ones where blessings flow amongst his whole family for generations as promised in the psalm.
Psalm 129
To those who have constantly been oppressed and condemned for doing God's work, God's promise to you is that He will set you free. They shall not prevail over you because God's hand is upon you and shall keep them from harm.
Psalm 130
This psalm is a song of faith. It shares about the psalmist's faith in God that He will definitely come and deliver him from his troubles for the Lord's love is steadfast.
Praise God for His forgiveness. If He were to keep writings on our sins, we would all be condmened to eternity. Thank You for the cross Lord.
To sum up, let's trust in the Lord at ALL times, never forgetting to praise and thank Him for everything He has done. Let's also wait and hope in the Lord.
His love endures forever! =)
Hallelujah! The Lord has given His assurance that He is with us, and keeps watch over us in whatever we do. He will protect us.
Let's then be confident in what we do for we want to glorify God and shine!
Let people ask you: "eh how come you so busy, yet can still manage your time properly and not be stressed?"
You then can answer: "Cause Jesus lives in me!"
Psalm 123
This psalm is about how God's people cry out to Him to have grace and mercy on them, to stop those persecutions and bullying by outsiders for they can no longer take it and endure it any further.
Psalm 124
David wrote this psalm to praise God for delievering them from their enemies. He acknowledges that if not for God, all of them would not have been able to survive.
Thank God for being by our side and ALWAYS rescuing us from trouble.
We need to acknowledge and give thanks to God for everything in our lives. FULL dependence on Him is the way to go, not half, or a little, but ALL of our hearts, souls and minds.
Psalm 125
This song reminds us to trust in the Lord at ALL times even in times of uncertainty or when the future looks bleak. Because God already planned everything for us and knows what we will go through. His love endures forever.
v4 "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart"
v5 "But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers"
Take special heed of this verse. I am reminded of Ps Melvyn Mak's sermon a while back on reaping and sowing. Indeed, we reap what we sow.
So scary and saddening to imagine that backsliders are grouped together with evil-doers and there will come a time when God will just turn His back on them.
Let's not take God's forgiveness and Jesus's death on the cross for granted, but rather run back to His waiting arms.
Psalm 128
Fear the Lord. A God-fearing person will not want to do anything that is against God's word. These are the blessed ones where blessings flow amongst his whole family for generations as promised in the psalm.
Psalm 129
To those who have constantly been oppressed and condemned for doing God's work, God's promise to you is that He will set you free. They shall not prevail over you because God's hand is upon you and shall keep them from harm.
Psalm 130
This psalm is a song of faith. It shares about the psalmist's faith in God that He will definitely come and deliver him from his troubles for the Lord's love is steadfast.
Praise God for His forgiveness. If He were to keep writings on our sins, we would all be condmened to eternity. Thank You for the cross Lord.
To sum up, let's trust in the Lord at ALL times, never forgetting to praise and thank Him for everything He has done. Let's also wait and hope in the Lord.
His love endures forever! =)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Psalms 18, 1 Samuel 28 - 31 (19th April)
Psalms 18
This was a song sang by David when the Lord delivered David from his enemies. In this Psalms you will know that God is worthy of all our praise. God is:-
Our Strength – v1
Our Rock – v2
Our Fortress – v2
Our Deliverer – v2
Our Place of Refuge – v2
Our Shield – v2
Our Salvation – v2
Our Stronghold – v2
Our Rescue – v16, 17
Our Supporter – v18
Our Rewarder – v20, 24
The Lord is perfect in everything – v30. Look to Him and seek Him and He will deliver you from your problems.
1 Samuel 28
Philistines were fighting against Israelites. Saul was fearful and He sorted the Lord but God didn’t answer him. Saul then sorted a medium to call out the spirit of Samuel. The word that was given to Saul wasn’t at all encouraging and said that Israel will be given to the Philistine because Saul disobeyed the Lord.
1 Samuel 29
The Philistine was ready for battle and David was on the Philistine side as he was staying with Achish. But the Philistine commanders did not allow David to go to war with them and David was sent back. David found no fault in the eye of Achish.
1 Samuel 30
When David returned back to Ziklag, he found that everything was destroyed by the Amalekites. The Amalakites took away all the families and flocks belonging to David and his men. Everyone was bitter in spirit but David found strength in the Lord (v6). So David inquired of the Lord and the Lord assured him that he will succeed. So David gathered his 600 men but only 400 men when for war with him. The rest of the 200 rested. Along the way they met an Egyptian who fed them and also show them the way to the Amalakites camp. David and his men attack and he recovered back everything (v18). Nothing was missing (v19).
On the way back, the men who went for war with David refused to share what they brought back with the 200 men that did not go for war. But David do not agreed with them and told them to share with one another.
That’s really what we call love =). So we must learn to share and care.
1 Samuel 31
The Philistines fought against Israel and Israel lost the battle. Saul was critically wounded then he took his own life together with his armor-bearer too. So everyone died.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Psalms 17, 35, 54, 63 (18th April) - Ivy
I need to apologise for the delay. I have been sick. Let’s take a look at the Psalms which David wrote.
Psalms 17
From this prayer which David made, we can see the fear of the Lord in David. We can see David’s confidence that he will not sin against the Lord with his mouth in verse 3. This is because he has ‘resolved’ and made the decision that he will not sin against the Lord with his mouth.
We can see thanksgiving and prayer of protection from the David’s prayer too. From David’s prayer, we can see that it is intimate and full of confidence in God. He is assured God will answer him when he calls out to God’s name. He also fears losing favour from the Lord. He asks for protection against the influence and harm of the world. What’s beautiful is that he ends with
15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
From this verse we can see that David longs for a life of holiness.
Psalms 35
David continues to ask God for protection against men who plot against him and wants to harm him. We see also that David asks for rescue from God so that he would not be a laughing stock to others. From this we know that David yearns to honour and glorify God with his life. He wants his life to be a testimony for God and not a laughing stock to others.
24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me.
David longs to be righteous.
28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
Are any of us in situations where our friends of family mocks at us? Cling onto God for He will rescue you and lift you up so that others will praise our Father in heaven! God is our refuge!
Psalms 54
Again, we can see that David cries out to God for mercy and protection. How many of us will continuously cry out to God for help? Sometimes when we face a challenge, we turn to God once. Blow after blow, we may just turn away and thinks that God don’t care and don’t answer our prayer. However we can see how faithful David is in crying out to God for help always. Let’s take a look at these verses
4 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.
6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD,
for it is good.
In verse 6 we see that David sacrifices to the Lord what? His freewill! Isn’t this amazing? Instead of exercising his freewill and wanting to do things his own way, he sacrifices them to the Lord and praises His name. How many of us are like David? This is just so amazing!
David is always so certain that God will deliver him. What a man of faith!
Psalms 63
Here is another beautiful psalm by David when he is in Desert of Judah. David continues to be on the run away from his enemies. (Please correct me if I am wrong)
From the previous few psalm, I really admire David’s spirit in praising God and giving thanks to God in all situations. David has gone through some very great moments of facing his giants, hunt down by king Saul etc but he trusts in the Lord to bring him through every situation. I guess we should learn from David.
Let us give our Lord God our total trust and confidence and He will see us through every situation!
Summary of Summary
- Fear the Lord
- Refuge in the Lord
- Confide in the Lord
- Trust the Lord
- Praise the Lord in all situations
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. [a]
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Psalms 17
From this prayer which David made, we can see the fear of the Lord in David. We can see David’s confidence that he will not sin against the Lord with his mouth in verse 3. This is because he has ‘resolved’ and made the decision that he will not sin against the Lord with his mouth.
We can see thanksgiving and prayer of protection from the David’s prayer too. From David’s prayer, we can see that it is intimate and full of confidence in God. He is assured God will answer him when he calls out to God’s name. He also fears losing favour from the Lord. He asks for protection against the influence and harm of the world. What’s beautiful is that he ends with
15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
From this verse we can see that David longs for a life of holiness.
Psalms 35
David continues to ask God for protection against men who plot against him and wants to harm him. We see also that David asks for rescue from God so that he would not be a laughing stock to others. From this we know that David yearns to honour and glorify God with his life. He wants his life to be a testimony for God and not a laughing stock to others.
24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me.
David longs to be righteous.
28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
Are any of us in situations where our friends of family mocks at us? Cling onto God for He will rescue you and lift you up so that others will praise our Father in heaven! God is our refuge!
Psalms 54
Again, we can see that David cries out to God for mercy and protection. How many of us will continuously cry out to God for help? Sometimes when we face a challenge, we turn to God once. Blow after blow, we may just turn away and thinks that God don’t care and don’t answer our prayer. However we can see how faithful David is in crying out to God for help always. Let’s take a look at these verses
4 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.
6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD,
for it is good.
In verse 6 we see that David sacrifices to the Lord what? His freewill! Isn’t this amazing? Instead of exercising his freewill and wanting to do things his own way, he sacrifices them to the Lord and praises His name. How many of us are like David? This is just so amazing!
David is always so certain that God will deliver him. What a man of faith!
Psalms 63
Here is another beautiful psalm by David when he is in Desert of Judah. David continues to be on the run away from his enemies. (Please correct me if I am wrong)
From the previous few psalm, I really admire David’s spirit in praising God and giving thanks to God in all situations. David has gone through some very great moments of facing his giants, hunt down by king Saul etc but he trusts in the Lord to bring him through every situation. I guess we should learn from David.
Let us give our Lord God our total trust and confidence and He will see us through every situation!
Summary of Summary
- Fear the Lord
- Refuge in the Lord
- Confide in the Lord
- Trust the Lord
- Praise the Lord in all situations
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. [a]
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
1 Samuel 25 - 27 (17th April)
1 Samuel 25
This chapter is about Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman (v3). But her husband, Nabal (Fool – v25), was harsh and evil in his dealings (v3). David was good to Nabal and David sent his servants to ask Nabal for favor but in return, they were insulted by Nabal and David gather his men to attack Nabal.
When Abigail heard of it, she quickly prepared nice food and wine and went off without Nabal knowledge to meet David to stop them from attacking her husband. Sure enough, David show favor to a beautiful woman with all the nice food she prepared and he turned back.
Abigail told the whole story to her husband and he got into a fit followed by heart attack and died. When David knew that Nabal was dead, he took Abigail to be his wife. David got 2 wives, Abigail and Ahinoam.
1 Samuel 26
David and Abishai secretly went to King Saul’s camp in the night while all were sleeping. Abishai wanted to kill King Saul but David stopped him because King Saul was God’s anointed and no one should lay a hand on him except for the Lord. So they took King Saul’s spear and water jug. David spared Saul’s life and Saul realized and confessed.
Lesson you can learn is not to touch the Lord’s anointed one, whether in speech or action. They are God chosen people and respect and honor them.
God’s promise for us in V23 – The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness.
1 Samuel 27
David and his men and family escaped from Saul to stay in Philistine territory.
This chapter is about Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman (v3). But her husband, Nabal (Fool – v25), was harsh and evil in his dealings (v3). David was good to Nabal and David sent his servants to ask Nabal for favor but in return, they were insulted by Nabal and David gather his men to attack Nabal.
When Abigail heard of it, she quickly prepared nice food and wine and went off without Nabal knowledge to meet David to stop them from attacking her husband. Sure enough, David show favor to a beautiful woman with all the nice food she prepared and he turned back.
Abigail told the whole story to her husband and he got into a fit followed by heart attack and died. When David knew that Nabal was dead, he took Abigail to be his wife. David got 2 wives, Abigail and Ahinoam.
1 Samuel 26
David and Abishai secretly went to King Saul’s camp in the night while all were sleeping. Abishai wanted to kill King Saul but David stopped him because King Saul was God’s anointed and no one should lay a hand on him except for the Lord. So they took King Saul’s spear and water jug. David spared Saul’s life and Saul realized and confessed.
Lesson you can learn is not to touch the Lord’s anointed one, whether in speech or action. They are God chosen people and respect and honor them.
God’s promise for us in V23 – The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness.
1 Samuel 27
David and his men and family escaped from Saul to stay in Philistine territory.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Psalms 56, 120, 140 - 142 (16th April)
Psalms 56
This was written by David when he fled from Saul to the Philistine territory (1 Samuel 21:10-15). The theme of this Psalms is mainly trusting in God in the midst of fear.
V3 - When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
V4 - In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
V11 - in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
And the promise is
V13 - For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalms 120
This is a prayer against false accusers. The writer is unknown but some suggested that it was Hezekiah.
V1 - I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.
V2 - Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues
Be a man of peace – V7
This was written by David when he fled from Saul to the Philistine territory (1 Samuel 21:10-15). The theme of this Psalms is mainly trusting in God in the midst of fear.
V3 - When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
V4 - In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
V11 - in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
And the promise is
V13 - For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalms 120
This is a prayer against false accusers. The writer is unknown but some suggested that it was Hezekiah.
V1 - I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.
V2 - Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues
Be a man of peace – V7
Psalms 140
This Psalms is a prayer written by David. It is a prayer for protection against those who slander or threaten you.
V1 - Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence,
V4 - Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet.
Prayer against the plans of the evil
V8 - do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud.
And the promise is
V12 - I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.
V13 - Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you.
Psalms 141
This is a prayer written by David for help and protection against temptation.
V3 - Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
V4 - Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.
V8 - But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.
V9 - Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers.
Be accountable and accept critics and rebukes.
V5 - Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it.
Psalms 142
A prayer by David when he felt no one cares. It is a prayer of desperation for God’s help and protection when he was hiding from Saul in a cave (1 Samuel 22)
V1 - I cry aloud / I lift up my voice
V2 - I pour out my complaint
V5 - I cry to you
V6 - Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
V7 - Set me free from my prison
Cry out to God in desperation, for the Lord cares for you and He will set you free.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Psalms 7, 27, 31, 34, 52 (15th April) - Pamelia
PSALM 7
David wrote Paslm 7 about Cush, a man of the tribe of Benjamin.
At first, David prayed that God would deliver him from his enemies. He had not done anything wrong to them and if God had found that David had done them wrong, he was willing to die. (v1-5)
David prayed that God would judge all men fairly, and he was willing to have God judge him. He knew that God will punish wicked people and hold up the man who is righteous. (v6-10).
The wicked will be punished and destryoed by their own weapons if they do not repent (v11-13).
He will act according to his own evil nature but the wicked things he has doen to others will come back to him (v14-16).
This reminds me of the idiom: “hao ren you hao bao, er ren you er bao.”
Don’t worry! We can have confidence on Judgment Day because God has made us righteous in Christ and He will judge all men according to His own perfect righteousness.
PSALM 27
This psalm is aso a prayer of David but at first he was praising the Lord. He was sure that God would help him because he had given him light and kept him safely (v1). Why should he be afraid of any man? Why should we be too? As warriors of light, we are warriors of God so fear no one but God alone!
This is the only time David called God his light, but others used this word for God in Isaiah 60:20, Micah 7:8 and 1 John 1:5.
David was sure that his enemies would not be able to stand up against him (v2). Goliath said he would kill David and feed his dead body to the birds to eat. Instead, Goliath was the one who fell! (1 Samuel 17:44,49). David would not be afraid even if a whole army came against him (v 3). All he wanted was to live with Lord and to see His beauty, where David would be safe from his enemies and just praising the Lord (v 4-6).
David was sure that the Lord would take care of him but still he felt that he should pray to God (v7-13). He asked the Lord to hear him and not to hide Himself from him or to leave him. He prayed that the Lord would teach him His ways and to deliver him from his enemies.
It is the same with us. The Lord will give us strength if we wait on Him. Doesn’t it amaze you when we wait on the Lord and meditate on His word even though we may feel very tired after work or school, he gives us strength that cannot be explained? Trust the Lord in all that you do, and he WILL give you strength and help you.
PSALM 31
This is another prayer of David so we can see again that he really trusted the Lord. He also gave thanks to the Lord for answering his prayer.
David went to God for safety and asked him to deliver him. God was like a solid rock. He was able to save David (v1-2). David also asked God to lead him. His enemies wanted to catch him in their net like a bird, David put his spirit into God’s hands. This means he would trust God to look after him even if he died.(v3-5)
It is better to trust in God than in other things, whether its our career, people or money. God does not hate anyone but He will still judge all who trust in idols. David knew God loved him because he often delivered him from his enemies. (v6-8) He had so mch trouble that his body was getting thin and weak (v9-10). His enemies just laughed at him and his friends were afraid of him. Some had forgotten about him and others were secretly planning to kill him. (v11-14) People knew that David trusted in God and he would be ashamed if God fif not save him.
David fully trusted in God and he spoke now as if God had already answered his prayers. He also praised God because He is so kind to men. (v19) God brings men close to Himself to protect them from wicked men, and from those who say bad things about them. (v20) He also shows them mercy (v21-22).
In this psalm, David prayed, believed and praised God. God heard his prayer even when his faith was weak. When God answers our prayers, we should remember to give Him the glory. David did this when he called on the people of God to love Him and be brave. In verses 23 and 24, we have the three great things: love, faith and hope (refer: 1 Corinthians 13:13). The Lord saves those who have faith. We should wait for God in hope and should love Him for saving us.
PSALM 34
David wrote Psalm 34 after the Lord delivered him from Abimelech, King of Gath as in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. David had run awau from Saul, the king of Israel, but he was afraid and did not trust God to take care of him. He went to the Philistines in Gath but he was more afraid still. He acted as if he had gone mad until Abimelech let him go.
In Psalm 34, David calls on us to praise, trust and to fear him (v 1-10). David himself promised to praise the Lord and called on us to do the same. As Christians, we should praise the Lord all the time, when we’re alone, and when we come together as a network or church.
This psalm also makes us think of Jesus Christ. David calls himself, “This poor man”, in verse 6. Our Lord was rich but He made Himself poor for our sake (2 Corinthians:8-9)
David taught the young people and other believers the truth about God. Solomon wanted to teach his sons, as David his father taught him, (Proverbs 4:1-5). God always wants us to teach our children the truth, whether physical or spiritual children.
Deuteronomy 4:10
Tell them especially the say when you stood before the Lord, your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, “Summon the people before me, and I will instruct them. That way, they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will be able to teach my laws to their children.”
Jesus always taught his disciples to learn from Him. We can become more like Christ and this will please our Father. God loves His Son and wants us to become more like Him.
PSALM 52
David wrote this psalm before he became king of Israel. Saul was very jealous of David because he won great victories in the war with the Philistines. David had to run away and he hid with Ahimelech, the priest. Careful, do not be confused with the King Abimelech – it’s really interesting how a change of one letter makes you a priest.
Anyway, to continue, Doeg the Edomite reported to Saul that he saw David talking to the priest and Saul went after Ahimelech. When Saul could not find David, he killed Ahimelech and 84 other priests of God, what evil! David must have felt horrible on top of his present situation.
Note: The people of Edom were the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. The name Edom is almost the same as Adam and speaks of the natural man without God. Esau himself is a man who lives for the things of the world, remember he rathered give up his birthright for the stew just to satisfy his growling stomach. The Edomites were enemies of Israel. In the same way, the men of this world are the enemies of God’s people. No one can love both God and the things of this world.
1 John 2:15
Stop loving this evil world and all that if offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you.
David wrote Paslm 7 about Cush, a man of the tribe of Benjamin.
At first, David prayed that God would deliver him from his enemies. He had not done anything wrong to them and if God had found that David had done them wrong, he was willing to die. (v1-5)
David prayed that God would judge all men fairly, and he was willing to have God judge him. He knew that God will punish wicked people and hold up the man who is righteous. (v6-10).
The wicked will be punished and destryoed by their own weapons if they do not repent (v11-13).
He will act according to his own evil nature but the wicked things he has doen to others will come back to him (v14-16).
This reminds me of the idiom: “hao ren you hao bao, er ren you er bao.”
Don’t worry! We can have confidence on Judgment Day because God has made us righteous in Christ and He will judge all men according to His own perfect righteousness.
PSALM 27
This psalm is aso a prayer of David but at first he was praising the Lord. He was sure that God would help him because he had given him light and kept him safely (v1). Why should he be afraid of any man? Why should we be too? As warriors of light, we are warriors of God so fear no one but God alone!
This is the only time David called God his light, but others used this word for God in Isaiah 60:20, Micah 7:8 and 1 John 1:5.
David was sure that his enemies would not be able to stand up against him (v2). Goliath said he would kill David and feed his dead body to the birds to eat. Instead, Goliath was the one who fell! (1 Samuel 17:44,49). David would not be afraid even if a whole army came against him (v 3). All he wanted was to live with Lord and to see His beauty, where David would be safe from his enemies and just praising the Lord (v 4-6).
David was sure that the Lord would take care of him but still he felt that he should pray to God (v7-13). He asked the Lord to hear him and not to hide Himself from him or to leave him. He prayed that the Lord would teach him His ways and to deliver him from his enemies.
It is the same with us. The Lord will give us strength if we wait on Him. Doesn’t it amaze you when we wait on the Lord and meditate on His word even though we may feel very tired after work or school, he gives us strength that cannot be explained? Trust the Lord in all that you do, and he WILL give you strength and help you.
PSALM 31
This is another prayer of David so we can see again that he really trusted the Lord. He also gave thanks to the Lord for answering his prayer.
David went to God for safety and asked him to deliver him. God was like a solid rock. He was able to save David (v1-2). David also asked God to lead him. His enemies wanted to catch him in their net like a bird, David put his spirit into God’s hands. This means he would trust God to look after him even if he died.(v3-5)
It is better to trust in God than in other things, whether its our career, people or money. God does not hate anyone but He will still judge all who trust in idols. David knew God loved him because he often delivered him from his enemies. (v6-8) He had so mch trouble that his body was getting thin and weak (v9-10). His enemies just laughed at him and his friends were afraid of him. Some had forgotten about him and others were secretly planning to kill him. (v11-14) People knew that David trusted in God and he would be ashamed if God fif not save him.
David fully trusted in God and he spoke now as if God had already answered his prayers. He also praised God because He is so kind to men. (v19) God brings men close to Himself to protect them from wicked men, and from those who say bad things about them. (v20) He also shows them mercy (v21-22).
In this psalm, David prayed, believed and praised God. God heard his prayer even when his faith was weak. When God answers our prayers, we should remember to give Him the glory. David did this when he called on the people of God to love Him and be brave. In verses 23 and 24, we have the three great things: love, faith and hope (refer: 1 Corinthians 13:13). The Lord saves those who have faith. We should wait for God in hope and should love Him for saving us.
PSALM 34
David wrote Psalm 34 after the Lord delivered him from Abimelech, King of Gath as in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. David had run awau from Saul, the king of Israel, but he was afraid and did not trust God to take care of him. He went to the Philistines in Gath but he was more afraid still. He acted as if he had gone mad until Abimelech let him go.
In Psalm 34, David calls on us to praise, trust and to fear him (v 1-10). David himself promised to praise the Lord and called on us to do the same. As Christians, we should praise the Lord all the time, when we’re alone, and when we come together as a network or church.
This psalm also makes us think of Jesus Christ. David calls himself, “This poor man”, in verse 6. Our Lord was rich but He made Himself poor for our sake (2 Corinthians:8-9)
David taught the young people and other believers the truth about God. Solomon wanted to teach his sons, as David his father taught him, (Proverbs 4:1-5). God always wants us to teach our children the truth, whether physical or spiritual children.
Deuteronomy 4:10
Tell them especially the say when you stood before the Lord, your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, “Summon the people before me, and I will instruct them. That way, they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will be able to teach my laws to their children.”
Jesus always taught his disciples to learn from Him. We can become more like Christ and this will please our Father. God loves His Son and wants us to become more like Him.
PSALM 52
David wrote this psalm before he became king of Israel. Saul was very jealous of David because he won great victories in the war with the Philistines. David had to run away and he hid with Ahimelech, the priest. Careful, do not be confused with the King Abimelech – it’s really interesting how a change of one letter makes you a priest.
Anyway, to continue, Doeg the Edomite reported to Saul that he saw David talking to the priest and Saul went after Ahimelech. When Saul could not find David, he killed Ahimelech and 84 other priests of God, what evil! David must have felt horrible on top of his present situation.
Note: The people of Edom were the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. The name Edom is almost the same as Adam and speaks of the natural man without God. Esau himself is a man who lives for the things of the world, remember he rathered give up his birthright for the stew just to satisfy his growling stomach. The Edomites were enemies of Israel. In the same way, the men of this world are the enemies of God’s people. No one can love both God and the things of this world.
1 John 2:15
Stop loving this evil world and all that if offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
1 Samuel 21 - 24 (14th April) - Jason
Andrew Bolt: “For those aspiring journalists out there, I recommend you the bible. It’s the best selling book in history simply because it tells the best stories.” –Herald Sun Columnist.
A story of a man who took things into his own hands, and one who left it in God’s.
Chapter 21:
(v1-v9) David fled to Nob where he met Ahimelech (not to be confused with Abimelech). David inquired of Ahimelech the priest for some bread with urgency (He must have been really hungry). Only consecrated bread was available, and its interesting that David kept himself holy whenever he set out. Furthermore, His men kept themselves holy as well. What an influence he must have been, remembering that the men who followed him to the desert were discouraged men.
(v7) God’s in control- Doeg the Edomite is said here to be present during these events. He was “detained before the Lord”. He would later be used to kill the entire family of Ahimelech. (This would later test Saul’s heart, if he would once more take things into his own hands)
(v10-v15) Shows us a very humbling thing David went through. Being the supposed king of Israel, he was reduced to a state of feigned madness (This is MADNESS! THIS is SPARTA!!) All this while, David was obeying God’s commandments and would not go against Saul, despite being greater. (v11 “Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands”)
Chapter 22:
(v6-23) Saul justifies his stance despite wise council from Ahimelech. He makes up his mind without seeking God and speaks as authority that has no submission to God’s will.
(v20) Abiathar, son of Ahimelech escapes.
Chapter 23:
David fights the Philistines and God hands them over to his armies. He did so seeking God. (v4).
David inquired of the Lord with Abiathar and concluded that he has to seek refuge from Saul. He was hiding in a cave when Saul appeared to make cupcakes.
Chapter 24:
Here we see a very human David. A very emotional man who knows he has been wronged. He does not hide his anger, but in it, does not put his heart before God’s.
V6- Saul was delivered to David on a platter, however David spared him. He would not strike God’s anointed. “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed…for he is the anointed of the Lord.”
David was angry; however he kept his emotions in submission to the Lord. (v12).
David kept his heart bowed before the Lord, Saul did not. It was a test which showed the 2 in disparities of submission. God wanted to promote David, and the first thing He did was to go enemy shopping; first Goliath, now Saul (from a conversation with my uncle Daniel). If David was a man after God’s heart, and not another Saul, he must be measured on his surrender and not his strengths.
A story of a man who took things into his own hands, and one who left it in God’s.
Chapter 21:
(v1-v9) David fled to Nob where he met Ahimelech (not to be confused with Abimelech). David inquired of Ahimelech the priest for some bread with urgency (He must have been really hungry). Only consecrated bread was available, and its interesting that David kept himself holy whenever he set out. Furthermore, His men kept themselves holy as well. What an influence he must have been, remembering that the men who followed him to the desert were discouraged men.
(v7) God’s in control- Doeg the Edomite is said here to be present during these events. He was “detained before the Lord”. He would later be used to kill the entire family of Ahimelech. (This would later test Saul’s heart, if he would once more take things into his own hands)
(v10-v15) Shows us a very humbling thing David went through. Being the supposed king of Israel, he was reduced to a state of feigned madness (This is MADNESS! THIS is SPARTA!!) All this while, David was obeying God’s commandments and would not go against Saul, despite being greater. (v11 “Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands”)
Chapter 22:
(v6-23) Saul justifies his stance despite wise council from Ahimelech. He makes up his mind without seeking God and speaks as authority that has no submission to God’s will.
(v20) Abiathar, son of Ahimelech escapes.
Chapter 23:
David fights the Philistines and God hands them over to his armies. He did so seeking God. (v4).
David inquired of the Lord with Abiathar and concluded that he has to seek refuge from Saul. He was hiding in a cave when Saul appeared to make cupcakes.
Chapter 24:
Here we see a very human David. A very emotional man who knows he has been wronged. He does not hide his anger, but in it, does not put his heart before God’s.
V6- Saul was delivered to David on a platter, however David spared him. He would not strike God’s anointed. “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed…for he is the anointed of the Lord.”
David was angry; however he kept his emotions in submission to the Lord. (v12).
David kept his heart bowed before the Lord, Saul did not. It was a test which showed the 2 in disparities of submission. God wanted to promote David, and the first thing He did was to go enemy shopping; first Goliath, now Saul (from a conversation with my uncle Daniel). If David was a man after God’s heart, and not another Saul, he must be measured on his surrender and not his strengths.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Psalms 11, 1 Samuel 18 - 20, Psalms 59 (13th April) - Weiling
Psalm 11
This is a psalm by David, probably written when he was pursued by enemies.
The psalm tells of David’s firm hope and trust in a God who is his refuge and protection.
Though others tell him to run and hide and tell of the hopelessness and helplessness of the righteous -- “what can the righteous do?”(v.3).
David’s faith rests in a God who is just and punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, who will see His face.
1 Samuel 18-20
David had favour with many. Jonathon “loved him as himself” just after David had finished speaking to his father! (v.1) Jonathon made a covenant with him and took off the robe he was wearing, along with his tunic, sword, bow and belt – representation of his position as the king’s son, and gave it to David. David was also successful in all that he did (v.5) that Saul gave him a high rank in the army, which pleased everyone. In short, David found favour with people, success, and honour because God was with him. He did not have to strive or fight. God chose him to be the new king of Israel.
In contrast we see Saul, whom the Lord has rejected as king over Israel because he rejected God’s word by not obeying God completely (1 Sam 15). He knew God was no longer with him but with David. Even the people’s affections were turned towards David (v.7). Saul became deeply jealous and insecure, seeking to cling on to the kingdom that he will lose. Twice he tried to personally kill David with his spear in the three chapters. He also sought to use the hands of the Philistines to kill David. All attempts were unsuccessful. Saul was afraid of David because God was with him and because of his success. Both his children (Jonathon and Michal) loved David and because of that they helped David to get away.
We do not need to be jealous and insecure like Saul if our conscience is right before God. Is there anything against our conscience or is there any sin in our lives? Let us repent and get right with God.
We do not need to strive or be jealous of others. We do not need to be insecure or fear that others will take away what is ours. He whom God chooses, God will bless and protect.
Psalm 59
This is a psalm written when Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. A lot of psalms give expression to the heart-felt cries of the psalmist.
Here, David was crying out for God to deliver and protect him from those who are lying in wait to harm him, even though he was innocent. Then, David turns his focus to God, whom he calls “his Strength” (v. 9, 16 & 17), of who he is fully assured is able and will deliver him. And, like many psalms, it ends off with David praising God for His love.
This is something we can all learn from David. Often, the psalms give expression of what he feels and think to God. And indeed, we can be real with God in sharing our deepest thoughts and feelings. And yet, David almost never wallows excessively in what he feels, but he would turn his focus to God, who is able and loving, and praise Him.
This is a psalm by David, probably written when he was pursued by enemies.
The psalm tells of David’s firm hope and trust in a God who is his refuge and protection.
Though others tell him to run and hide and tell of the hopelessness and helplessness of the righteous -- “what can the righteous do?”(v.3).
David’s faith rests in a God who is just and punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, who will see His face.
1 Samuel 18-20
David had favour with many. Jonathon “loved him as himself” just after David had finished speaking to his father! (v.1) Jonathon made a covenant with him and took off the robe he was wearing, along with his tunic, sword, bow and belt – representation of his position as the king’s son, and gave it to David. David was also successful in all that he did (v.5) that Saul gave him a high rank in the army, which pleased everyone. In short, David found favour with people, success, and honour because God was with him. He did not have to strive or fight. God chose him to be the new king of Israel.
In contrast we see Saul, whom the Lord has rejected as king over Israel because he rejected God’s word by not obeying God completely (1 Sam 15). He knew God was no longer with him but with David. Even the people’s affections were turned towards David (v.7). Saul became deeply jealous and insecure, seeking to cling on to the kingdom that he will lose. Twice he tried to personally kill David with his spear in the three chapters. He also sought to use the hands of the Philistines to kill David. All attempts were unsuccessful. Saul was afraid of David because God was with him and because of his success. Both his children (Jonathon and Michal) loved David and because of that they helped David to get away.
We do not need to be jealous and insecure like Saul if our conscience is right before God. Is there anything against our conscience or is there any sin in our lives? Let us repent and get right with God.
We do not need to strive or be jealous of others. We do not need to be insecure or fear that others will take away what is ours. He whom God chooses, God will bless and protect.
Psalm 59
This is a psalm written when Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. A lot of psalms give expression to the heart-felt cries of the psalmist.
Here, David was crying out for God to deliver and protect him from those who are lying in wait to harm him, even though he was innocent. Then, David turns his focus to God, whom he calls “his Strength” (v. 9, 16 & 17), of who he is fully assured is able and will deliver him. And, like many psalms, it ends off with David praising God for His love.
This is something we can all learn from David. Often, the psalms give expression of what he feels and think to God. And indeed, we can be real with God in sharing our deepest thoughts and feelings. And yet, David almost never wallows excessively in what he feels, but he would turn his focus to God, who is able and loving, and praise Him.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
1 Samuel 15 - 17 (12th April) - Sylvia
1 Samuel 15
Samuel had been commanded by the Lord to attack the Amalekites and destroy EVERYTHING but he did not obey His insructions. Instead, those that he deemed weak and despised, he destroyed, but kept the good stuff.
The Lord was unhappy because of his disobedience. Saul's excuse was that he meant to sacrifice the best to God. However, God wants us to be OBEDIENT. He does not want us to sin, and then just say sorry and make sin offerings to him.
Wouldn't it be better to just OBEY and NOT sin at all?
Because of this, the Lord no longer accepted Saul as king, but rather took away from him the kingdom of Israel.
Remember: The Lord gives, and the Lord can take too.
Cherish what we have been blessed with and don't let sin cause it to be taken away from us.
1 Samuel 16
God chooses a new king for Israel.
One important thing to take note: God does not see the appearance unlike the world for His anointed one, He sees our hearts.
v7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Among the seven sons that Jesse had, God chose David, the youngest son. David was not chosen for his strength nor height (he was a just a young kid). God saw that David's heart was pure and he had a heart of worship for God - obedience.
So dear family, let's not think that often we cannot do anything for God simply because of our young age and then start to feel bad. Because, God is pleased with us simply when our hearts are pure and when we obey Him wholeheartedly.
1 Timothy 4: 12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
1 Samuel 17
Showtime! Its war between the Philistines and the Israelites. The Philistines had a lethal weapon i.e.: Goliath. He was so big and mighty and super gigantic loaded with solid armour that everyone feared him.
Thank God. Our God is way way waaaay much more stronger and more mighty then Goliath. He had anointed David so powerfully such that him being a small sized puny little fellow could muster such courage and bravery, not fearing for his life, to go up against a giant.
David conquered Goliath with just ONE sling and ONE stone. no armour, no guns no bombs.
What are the 'Goliaths' in our lives? Lets surrender these obstacles and difficulties to Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Our God is great indeed!
Samuel had been commanded by the Lord to attack the Amalekites and destroy EVERYTHING but he did not obey His insructions. Instead, those that he deemed weak and despised, he destroyed, but kept the good stuff.
The Lord was unhappy because of his disobedience. Saul's excuse was that he meant to sacrifice the best to God. However, God wants us to be OBEDIENT. He does not want us to sin, and then just say sorry and make sin offerings to him.
Wouldn't it be better to just OBEY and NOT sin at all?
Because of this, the Lord no longer accepted Saul as king, but rather took away from him the kingdom of Israel.
Remember: The Lord gives, and the Lord can take too.
Cherish what we have been blessed with and don't let sin cause it to be taken away from us.
1 Samuel 16
God chooses a new king for Israel.
One important thing to take note: God does not see the appearance unlike the world for His anointed one, He sees our hearts.
v7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Among the seven sons that Jesse had, God chose David, the youngest son. David was not chosen for his strength nor height (he was a just a young kid). God saw that David's heart was pure and he had a heart of worship for God - obedience.
So dear family, let's not think that often we cannot do anything for God simply because of our young age and then start to feel bad. Because, God is pleased with us simply when our hearts are pure and when we obey Him wholeheartedly.
1 Timothy 4: 12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
1 Samuel 17
Showtime! Its war between the Philistines and the Israelites. The Philistines had a lethal weapon i.e.: Goliath. He was so big and mighty and super gigantic loaded with solid armour that everyone feared him.
Thank God. Our God is way way waaaay much more stronger and more mighty then Goliath. He had anointed David so powerfully such that him being a small sized puny little fellow could muster such courage and bravery, not fearing for his life, to go up against a giant.
David conquered Goliath with just ONE sling and ONE stone. no armour, no guns no bombs.
What are the 'Goliaths' in our lives? Lets surrender these obstacles and difficulties to Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Our God is great indeed!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
1 Samuel 13 - 14 (11th April)
1 Samuel 13
Saul was 30 years old when he became king. He ruled over Israel for 42 years. In this chapter, Saul chose 3000 men to fight the Philistine which they had 3000 chariots, 6000 charioteers and numerous soldiers to fight back. Saul troops lost and were fearful so Saul with his own decision started burnt offering and fellowship offerings. Samuel came and rebuked Saul (V 11, 13) because Saul did not keep the Lord’s command. It was later that the whole Israelites were without weapons because they sent their weapons to the Philistines to sharpen their weapons.
1 Samuel 14
Jonathan together with his young armor bearer went ahead to attack the Philistines without any Israelites knowledge. Jonathan and his young armor bearer about to kill some Philistines and sent the Philistines in fear. Then Saul sent his army to further attacke the Philistines and on that day, the Lord rescued Israel (v 23).
Saul had put a curse that no one was supposed to eat in the day. So the Israelites were in distress but Jonathan who did not know or heard about the curse and ate honey (v 27) and immediately Jonathan eyes brightened up and his strength renewed. That day Jonathan and his men (strengthen and renewed) struck down the Philistines. Saul wanted to go on pursuing the Philistines all the way till the next day and the priest reminded him to inquire of God. So Saul inquired of the Lord but there were no answer.
Lesson to learn: Let us always inquire of the Lord for the direction of our lives and decisions.
Saul was 30 years old when he became king. He ruled over Israel for 42 years. In this chapter, Saul chose 3000 men to fight the Philistine which they had 3000 chariots, 6000 charioteers and numerous soldiers to fight back. Saul troops lost and were fearful so Saul with his own decision started burnt offering and fellowship offerings. Samuel came and rebuked Saul (V 11, 13) because Saul did not keep the Lord’s command. It was later that the whole Israelites were without weapons because they sent their weapons to the Philistines to sharpen their weapons.
1 Samuel 14
Jonathan together with his young armor bearer went ahead to attack the Philistines without any Israelites knowledge. Jonathan and his young armor bearer about to kill some Philistines and sent the Philistines in fear. Then Saul sent his army to further attacke the Philistines and on that day, the Lord rescued Israel (v 23).
Saul had put a curse that no one was supposed to eat in the day. So the Israelites were in distress but Jonathan who did not know or heard about the curse and ate honey (v 27) and immediately Jonathan eyes brightened up and his strength renewed. That day Jonathan and his men (strengthen and renewed) struck down the Philistines. Saul wanted to go on pursuing the Philistines all the way till the next day and the priest reminded him to inquire of God. So Saul inquired of the Lord but there were no answer.
Lesson to learn: Let us always inquire of the Lord for the direction of our lives and decisions.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
1 Samuel 9 - 12 (10th April) - Sky
1 Samuel 9 – Samuel Anoints Saul
We have a new character in the book of Samuel and that’s Saul the first King of Israel even when it was displeasing to the Lord. What was interesting is how Saul first knew Samuel was when he was out looking for his lost donkeys. He was certainly not looking for a chance to become king. Similarly, Samuel was a small boy when God called him and later David was anointed king while tending sheep. It shows how God chose his people not necessarily those seeking power, but who God see is right.
Saul was a Benjamite the smallest tribe of Israel, the least of all clans of the tribe of Benjamin, naturally he was filled with doubts when Samuel said he was to be king.
Bombardment of doubts about ourselves comes to us daily when we serve God or even at work or school. Are we good enough? Are we smart enough? Or for myself am I mature enough to do God’s work? But it is written in the Great Commission, whether young, old, big, small we are commissioned to do God’s work, as our gesture of love to HIM.
1 Samuel 10
Samuel affirms Saul that he was to be the leader over the Lord’s inheritance and prophesizes the signs during the journey that Saul is about to take. He would receive the Spirit of the Lord, in power and whatever his hand finds to do, God will be with him.
Going down the chapter, the signs were fulfilled, and GOD changed Saul’s heart.
(Hearts can be changed in an instant; do u have a friend who needs God’s intervention in their hearts? Its time to ask and it be done)
But Saul hid the truth of his kingship from his uncle; it shows how doubt was still in him. When Saul was publicly chosen to be the first King of Israel he hid himself again showing the doubt in his heart. Following that Samuel explained the regulations of kingship. There to be some safeguards to regulate their sovereignty.
1 Samuel 11 – Saul Rescues the City of Jabesh
Soon Jabesh Gilead was attacked by Ammonites. Saul heard the weeping of the people and he responded with anger. Cutting a pair of oxen into pieces and sends them throughout Israel. The terror of the Lord galvanizes the nation and motivates the people to immediate obedience which enables Saul to muster an army so quickly. Before the battle, Saul proclaim to the men of Jabesh they will be saved. (A man of doubt transforming to a man of Faith) and the next day, it came true, slaughtering the Ammonites.
After the battle, Saul was reaffirmed as King on 2 reasons.
1. To unify the nations as there were still doubters
2. To solidify his role as King
1 Samuel 12 – Samuel’s Farewell Speech
As Samuel was getting old, he started off his speech with being publicly accountable, he gave the opportunity for anyone to stand up and testify that he had been dishonest. He retold the history of Israel going through the transition phases and repeatly the people have forgotten the Lord their God. But with mercy and grace the people of Israel were always delivered from the hands of the enemy.
Continuing on with that how they were wrong and did an evil thing when they asked for a King. But Samuel reaffirms them even with all these evil, do not turn away from the Lord. But continue serving God faithfully and fear Him.
The real issue of these 4 chapters was never who ruled the nation but who ruled in their hearts!
Josh once told me, Christianity is not Democratic but it’s a Monarchy.
If Obeying GOD is democratic,
1. We would give way to our flesh and sin
2. Giving them a foothold in our lives.
3. Having different morality in our lives
4. Not living in the standards of God
5. Sin will reign in your heart.
Give the Devil nothing and have no place in our hearts, but take from him everything!
We have a new character in the book of Samuel and that’s Saul the first King of Israel even when it was displeasing to the Lord. What was interesting is how Saul first knew Samuel was when he was out looking for his lost donkeys. He was certainly not looking for a chance to become king. Similarly, Samuel was a small boy when God called him and later David was anointed king while tending sheep. It shows how God chose his people not necessarily those seeking power, but who God see is right.
Saul was a Benjamite the smallest tribe of Israel, the least of all clans of the tribe of Benjamin, naturally he was filled with doubts when Samuel said he was to be king.
Bombardment of doubts about ourselves comes to us daily when we serve God or even at work or school. Are we good enough? Are we smart enough? Or for myself am I mature enough to do God’s work? But it is written in the Great Commission, whether young, old, big, small we are commissioned to do God’s work, as our gesture of love to HIM.
1 Samuel 10
Samuel affirms Saul that he was to be the leader over the Lord’s inheritance and prophesizes the signs during the journey that Saul is about to take. He would receive the Spirit of the Lord, in power and whatever his hand finds to do, God will be with him.
Going down the chapter, the signs were fulfilled, and GOD changed Saul’s heart.
(Hearts can be changed in an instant; do u have a friend who needs God’s intervention in their hearts? Its time to ask and it be done)
But Saul hid the truth of his kingship from his uncle; it shows how doubt was still in him. When Saul was publicly chosen to be the first King of Israel he hid himself again showing the doubt in his heart. Following that Samuel explained the regulations of kingship. There to be some safeguards to regulate their sovereignty.
1 Samuel 11 – Saul Rescues the City of Jabesh
Soon Jabesh Gilead was attacked by Ammonites. Saul heard the weeping of the people and he responded with anger. Cutting a pair of oxen into pieces and sends them throughout Israel. The terror of the Lord galvanizes the nation and motivates the people to immediate obedience which enables Saul to muster an army so quickly. Before the battle, Saul proclaim to the men of Jabesh they will be saved. (A man of doubt transforming to a man of Faith) and the next day, it came true, slaughtering the Ammonites.
After the battle, Saul was reaffirmed as King on 2 reasons.
1. To unify the nations as there were still doubters
2. To solidify his role as King
1 Samuel 12 – Samuel’s Farewell Speech
As Samuel was getting old, he started off his speech with being publicly accountable, he gave the opportunity for anyone to stand up and testify that he had been dishonest. He retold the history of Israel going through the transition phases and repeatly the people have forgotten the Lord their God. But with mercy and grace the people of Israel were always delivered from the hands of the enemy.
Continuing on with that how they were wrong and did an evil thing when they asked for a King. But Samuel reaffirms them even with all these evil, do not turn away from the Lord. But continue serving God faithfully and fear Him.
The real issue of these 4 chapters was never who ruled the nation but who ruled in their hearts!
Josh once told me, Christianity is not Democratic but it’s a Monarchy.
If Obeying GOD is democratic,
1. We would give way to our flesh and sin
2. Giving them a foothold in our lives.
3. Having different morality in our lives
4. Not living in the standards of God
5. Sin will reign in your heart.
Give the Devil nothing and have no place in our hearts, but take from him everything!
Monday, April 09, 2007
1 Samuel 4 - 8 (9th April) - Vivien
1 Samuel 4 - 6
In chapter 4, the Ark of Covenant was captured by the Philistines. How come Israel lost the battle with the Philistines even when they brought the Ark along with them? If we were to go back to chapter 2, where the Eli’s wayward sons and the prophecy against the house of Eli was written, it was God’s will to put them to death. And when Israel went out to battle, who went along with them? Hophni and Phinehas. Although it seemed like Israel’s faith had risen when they had decided to bring the Ark along, it seemed rather more like the lack of faith in God, that they needed an object that signified God to boost their morale – they missed the point…
Looking at the Philistines, when they heard that the Ark was with them, they actually feared! Even they, who are not believers, knew that God is powerful and ought to be feared, even after so many generations passed. Not like the Israelites, who has forgotten the mighty wonders that God had done in their midst. There is something to learn even from the Philistines! That moment of humility had caused them to win the battle. It is like, you accept the fact that you are fighting a losing battle, but you choose not to give up and just fight. Yes… The enemy won and had captured the Ark, but God is still a God of His words. In chapter 5, we can see that the enemy did not have a good time with the Ark in their territories, and ended up that they even offered guilt offerings with returning the Ark to the Israelites in chapter 6.
Can you see how God kill many birds with one stone? Just in this chapter, the prophecy of Eli’s household was fulfilled, the importance of humility was shown, and at the same time the power of God was shown to the nations, including Israel, through showing that the Ark did not need the protection of men, but God Himself is capable of protecting the Ark. It is like in Matthew 27:41-43 and Luke 23:35, when the priests and teachers of the law mocked at Jesus at the cross, and ask Jesus to save Himself if He is God. Not that Jesus couldn’t, but He chose not to.
When the Ark returned to Israel, the people rejoiced. However, there were 70 of them who got struck down by God. The consequence of disobedience.
1 Samuel 7 – 8
After 20 years, Samuel got the people to get right with God again and he would intercede for the Philistines to be subdued. So finally the towns initially captured by the Philistines were restored to Israel again and there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. And Samuel continued to judge over Israel all his lifetime.
Disappointingly, when Samuel had grown old, the Israelites ask for a king to rule over them. And their reason for doing so? So that they would be like the other nations… Bringing this to a more relevant issue, is there anything in life that you wanted to have, be or do because others are doing it, and you think that is cool?
1 Corinthians 10: 23
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.
Think about it.
God did not force it unto His people that they shall have no king before God, because He is King. Instead, God told Samuel to listen to them and give them what a king.
Even in the midst of being a warrior of Light, we might face discouragement. Don’t feel bad or lousy about yourself when you are rejected when discipling or sharing Christ.
1 Samuel 8:7
And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
In chapter 4, the Ark of Covenant was captured by the Philistines. How come Israel lost the battle with the Philistines even when they brought the Ark along with them? If we were to go back to chapter 2, where the Eli’s wayward sons and the prophecy against the house of Eli was written, it was God’s will to put them to death. And when Israel went out to battle, who went along with them? Hophni and Phinehas. Although it seemed like Israel’s faith had risen when they had decided to bring the Ark along, it seemed rather more like the lack of faith in God, that they needed an object that signified God to boost their morale – they missed the point…
Looking at the Philistines, when they heard that the Ark was with them, they actually feared! Even they, who are not believers, knew that God is powerful and ought to be feared, even after so many generations passed. Not like the Israelites, who has forgotten the mighty wonders that God had done in their midst. There is something to learn even from the Philistines! That moment of humility had caused them to win the battle. It is like, you accept the fact that you are fighting a losing battle, but you choose not to give up and just fight. Yes… The enemy won and had captured the Ark, but God is still a God of His words. In chapter 5, we can see that the enemy did not have a good time with the Ark in their territories, and ended up that they even offered guilt offerings with returning the Ark to the Israelites in chapter 6.
Can you see how God kill many birds with one stone? Just in this chapter, the prophecy of Eli’s household was fulfilled, the importance of humility was shown, and at the same time the power of God was shown to the nations, including Israel, through showing that the Ark did not need the protection of men, but God Himself is capable of protecting the Ark. It is like in Matthew 27:41-43 and Luke 23:35, when the priests and teachers of the law mocked at Jesus at the cross, and ask Jesus to save Himself if He is God. Not that Jesus couldn’t, but He chose not to.
When the Ark returned to Israel, the people rejoiced. However, there were 70 of them who got struck down by God. The consequence of disobedience.
1 Samuel 7 – 8
After 20 years, Samuel got the people to get right with God again and he would intercede for the Philistines to be subdued. So finally the towns initially captured by the Philistines were restored to Israel again and there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. And Samuel continued to judge over Israel all his lifetime.
Disappointingly, when Samuel had grown old, the Israelites ask for a king to rule over them. And their reason for doing so? So that they would be like the other nations… Bringing this to a more relevant issue, is there anything in life that you wanted to have, be or do because others are doing it, and you think that is cool?
1 Corinthians 10: 23
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.
Think about it.
God did not force it unto His people that they shall have no king before God, because He is King. Instead, God told Samuel to listen to them and give them what a king.
Even in the midst of being a warrior of Light, we might face discouragement. Don’t feel bad or lousy about yourself when you are rejected when discipling or sharing Christ.
1 Samuel 8:7
And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
1 Samuel 1 - 3 (8th April) - Vivien Po
1 Samuel 1
If God is bias, He is biased towards the unloved. In this chapter, we can see that Elkanah (Samuel’s father) was biased towards Hannah, so God closed the womb of Hannah and let Peninnah bore many sons and daughters. (Doesn’t this sound familiar… Jacob, Leah and Rachel.) However, Peninnah was very bad, she kept provoking Hannah until she cry, which I think God also cannot tahan her behaviour. So when Hannah prayed and declared to God that if God would look into her misery and not forget to give her a son, she would dedicate her first son to God. When Eli blessed her, and after eating something, she was no longer downcast. It is like a sudden surge of confidence in God has assured her that it would come to pass. And yes, Samuel came to earth.
The prayer of Hannah is a powerful prayer of faith that God is for those who are oppressed. And victories are with them too. This reminded me of the Beatitudes in the New Testament.
1 Samuel 2
The Bible describes Eli’s 2 wicked sons. Hmm… It is so sad to see that so there are quite a number of cases that priests and righteous men had sons who were not even half as righteous as them. It is really a joy to see FCBC Senior Pastor, Apostle Lawrence Khong, and Youthnet Pastor, Pastor Eugene, serving as a family. Thanks to Pastor Cesar Castellanos for being such a good role model. And of course God for giving us the G12 vision.
There is a prophecy of Eli’s household too. Here is a lesson of the sin of omission. As a father, Eli did not discipline his sons for sinning, and so he would not escape from punishment too.
1 Samuel 3
In this chapter, the Lord calls for Samuel. While Eli’s sons were sinning, God is preparing Samuel for the future, knowing that Israel cannot be entrusted into the hands of the 2 wicked sons.
As Samuel grew up with the Lord with him, he gradually gained recognition that as a prophet of God. Be patient and focus on God. Recognitions come gradually with Emmanuel.
If God is bias, He is biased towards the unloved. In this chapter, we can see that Elkanah (Samuel’s father) was biased towards Hannah, so God closed the womb of Hannah and let Peninnah bore many sons and daughters. (Doesn’t this sound familiar… Jacob, Leah and Rachel.) However, Peninnah was very bad, she kept provoking Hannah until she cry, which I think God also cannot tahan her behaviour. So when Hannah prayed and declared to God that if God would look into her misery and not forget to give her a son, she would dedicate her first son to God. When Eli blessed her, and after eating something, she was no longer downcast. It is like a sudden surge of confidence in God has assured her that it would come to pass. And yes, Samuel came to earth.
The prayer of Hannah is a powerful prayer of faith that God is for those who are oppressed. And victories are with them too. This reminded me of the Beatitudes in the New Testament.
1 Samuel 2
The Bible describes Eli’s 2 wicked sons. Hmm… It is so sad to see that so there are quite a number of cases that priests and righteous men had sons who were not even half as righteous as them. It is really a joy to see FCBC Senior Pastor, Apostle Lawrence Khong, and Youthnet Pastor, Pastor Eugene, serving as a family. Thanks to Pastor Cesar Castellanos for being such a good role model. And of course God for giving us the G12 vision.
There is a prophecy of Eli’s household too. Here is a lesson of the sin of omission. As a father, Eli did not discipline his sons for sinning, and so he would not escape from punishment too.
1 Samuel 3
In this chapter, the Lord calls for Samuel. While Eli’s sons were sinning, God is preparing Samuel for the future, knowing that Israel cannot be entrusted into the hands of the 2 wicked sons.
As Samuel grew up with the Lord with him, he gradually gained recognition that as a prophet of God. Be patient and focus on God. Recognitions come gradually with Emmanuel.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Ruth 1 - 4 (7th April) - Alvin
The book of Ruth is an interesting book and quite a different book compared to those we have been reading thus far.
First of all, my apologies for this late blog entry. Took me a while to have something to write as it seemed very difficult to write about a book that is so simple.
You will notice that the Book of Ruth is a very mundane book compared to previous books we have read, where we see God speaking face to face with Job, Abraham, Moses, Joshua etc. There’s no war going on or great miracles of God being performed in the entire book of Ruth. Even the book of Esther (which has no mention of God) has a theme about God’s salvation for the Jews. The book of Ruth however just seemed like a very nice story of a good daughter in law and a romantic love story between Ruth and Boaz.
To really understand this book better thus requires us to have a little background knowledge of the context of the story. It begins by telling us that Ruth existed in the later times of the Judges, Ruth 1:1. When we read Judges 21:25 it says, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” It’s only in this context that the story really makes a lot more sense.
In a time when people live their lives not according to the laws of God but according to their own moral judgments, we see an amazing story of 3 people who decided to live according to the laws of God.
The book of Ruth isn’t only about Ruth, but it’s really about the relationships between Ruth, Naomi and Boaz (the Ruth less man before marriage…heh)
In the Jewish custom, the widows are the poorest of the people. This is true even to the New Testament days when there are special instructions for the churches to care for the widows. We also know that our God is a defender of the widows and the Father to the fatherless. This is so because when a man passed away, his inheritance is not passed on to the wife but to the nearest male next of kin. It was because of this that God instructed special laws such as the allowance of the poor to glean the fields and the next male kin to be the kinsman redeemer in order to care for the widows and the poor.
Naomi was a widow. So she really was very poor. And she was old, so it’s very unlikely that anyone will redeemer her (ie to marry her). Yet despite knowing this, Ruth decided to still to follow Naomi and remain loyal and faithful to her, and to care for her. She has every right like Orpah to care for her own self and leave Naomi and returned to her homeland, yet she made this astounding proclaimation: "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."
Now pause to think, this is amazing on two folds, one, in a time when people do as they deemed fit, here comes a woman who did the RIGHT thing, even though it was in a trying circumstance. Second, what’s so special about Naomi that Ruth wanted to follow her and her God?
We do not read much about Naomi in this book, but I believe it is safe to say that she must have been a great testimony so as to have Ruth decide to care for her and to follow her and her God.
Are we such testimonies of our God that people will follow us and our God?
And this was so not just for Naomi, but also for Ruth and Boaz. We see in the lives of Ruth and Boaz that they have a good reputation before men, a living testimony.
Ruth 2:11-12, Ruth 3:11 and Naomi was certain that Boaz will keep his word about redeeming Ruth if the next of kin won’t, I guess it is safe to say that Boaz at least had a reputation of one that keeps his words. (Ruth 3:18)
We also see that he gave special instructions to his servants to make sure that Ruth is not harassed or embarrassed but to allow her to glean and made provision so that she could glean more. Ruth on the other hand worked hard from dawn to dusk gleaning in the fields to provide for her mother in law.
Lesson 1 from the Book of Ruth:
Living our lives as a testimony before God requires us to do only that which is right. It is not just in the big events in our lives, but even in the little things God sees and He rewards.
It is interesting that Ruth is a Moabite and Boaz is a descendent of Rahab the prostitute. But they became the ancestors of King David and later, Jesus Himself. It is interesting that God chose the two of them to be the one whose lineage will come forth our savior. Jesus is a descendant of a prostitute and of the enemy of the Jews!!! What’s more interesting, is that this happened in Bethlehem, the home town of Jesus, a small forgotten town, unlike the great city of Jerusalem.
What does this tell us about God?
Our God is impartial and loves everyone. And He never overlooks the “insignificant” like the world does. And He honors those who honor Him. God looked down and saw a man who did the right thing by redeeming Ruth and caring for her and her mother in law as the law requires, though he has every right not to do so. One who made special arrangements so that Ruth’s dignity will be protected while she worked in the fields. He also saw Ruth who chose to lay down her rights to look after her mother in law and care for her. One who works hard daily to ensure Naomi is well taken care of. One who chose to follow the real God.
And because of that, a descendent of Rahab (who God remembers also since the day of Joshua) and a Moabite received a tremendous inheritance, to be part of the lineage in which the Messiah will come from. And God remembers them to have their story recorded down for us through the generations.
Lesson 2:
Nothing is insignificant before God. God’s eyes are always on the upright. We remember the Lawrence Khongs and the Billy Grahams, but God remembers also those who mentored these great men of God. Sometimes we might feel that the things we do seemed so insignificant, but still continue to do that which is right before God. Just like Ruth abd Boaz, if you think, about it, they didn’t really do anything remotely spectacular, but God saw, and remembers them and gave them an everlasting inheritance. The friend beside you, or your cell member could just be the next Lawrence Khong, but God has chosen you to do impart into that life until the time is right. Will you do that which is right then?
First of all, my apologies for this late blog entry. Took me a while to have something to write as it seemed very difficult to write about a book that is so simple.
You will notice that the Book of Ruth is a very mundane book compared to previous books we have read, where we see God speaking face to face with Job, Abraham, Moses, Joshua etc. There’s no war going on or great miracles of God being performed in the entire book of Ruth. Even the book of Esther (which has no mention of God) has a theme about God’s salvation for the Jews. The book of Ruth however just seemed like a very nice story of a good daughter in law and a romantic love story between Ruth and Boaz.
To really understand this book better thus requires us to have a little background knowledge of the context of the story. It begins by telling us that Ruth existed in the later times of the Judges, Ruth 1:1. When we read Judges 21:25 it says, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” It’s only in this context that the story really makes a lot more sense.
In a time when people live their lives not according to the laws of God but according to their own moral judgments, we see an amazing story of 3 people who decided to live according to the laws of God.
The book of Ruth isn’t only about Ruth, but it’s really about the relationships between Ruth, Naomi and Boaz (the Ruth less man before marriage…heh)
In the Jewish custom, the widows are the poorest of the people. This is true even to the New Testament days when there are special instructions for the churches to care for the widows. We also know that our God is a defender of the widows and the Father to the fatherless. This is so because when a man passed away, his inheritance is not passed on to the wife but to the nearest male next of kin. It was because of this that God instructed special laws such as the allowance of the poor to glean the fields and the next male kin to be the kinsman redeemer in order to care for the widows and the poor.
Naomi was a widow. So she really was very poor. And she was old, so it’s very unlikely that anyone will redeemer her (ie to marry her). Yet despite knowing this, Ruth decided to still to follow Naomi and remain loyal and faithful to her, and to care for her. She has every right like Orpah to care for her own self and leave Naomi and returned to her homeland, yet she made this astounding proclaimation: "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."
Now pause to think, this is amazing on two folds, one, in a time when people do as they deemed fit, here comes a woman who did the RIGHT thing, even though it was in a trying circumstance. Second, what’s so special about Naomi that Ruth wanted to follow her and her God?
We do not read much about Naomi in this book, but I believe it is safe to say that she must have been a great testimony so as to have Ruth decide to care for her and to follow her and her God.
Are we such testimonies of our God that people will follow us and our God?
And this was so not just for Naomi, but also for Ruth and Boaz. We see in the lives of Ruth and Boaz that they have a good reputation before men, a living testimony.
Ruth 2:11-12, Ruth 3:11 and Naomi was certain that Boaz will keep his word about redeeming Ruth if the next of kin won’t, I guess it is safe to say that Boaz at least had a reputation of one that keeps his words. (Ruth 3:18)
We also see that he gave special instructions to his servants to make sure that Ruth is not harassed or embarrassed but to allow her to glean and made provision so that she could glean more. Ruth on the other hand worked hard from dawn to dusk gleaning in the fields to provide for her mother in law.
Lesson 1 from the Book of Ruth:
Living our lives as a testimony before God requires us to do only that which is right. It is not just in the big events in our lives, but even in the little things God sees and He rewards.
It is interesting that Ruth is a Moabite and Boaz is a descendent of Rahab the prostitute. But they became the ancestors of King David and later, Jesus Himself. It is interesting that God chose the two of them to be the one whose lineage will come forth our savior. Jesus is a descendant of a prostitute and of the enemy of the Jews!!! What’s more interesting, is that this happened in Bethlehem, the home town of Jesus, a small forgotten town, unlike the great city of Jerusalem.
What does this tell us about God?
Our God is impartial and loves everyone. And He never overlooks the “insignificant” like the world does. And He honors those who honor Him. God looked down and saw a man who did the right thing by redeeming Ruth and caring for her and her mother in law as the law requires, though he has every right not to do so. One who made special arrangements so that Ruth’s dignity will be protected while she worked in the fields. He also saw Ruth who chose to lay down her rights to look after her mother in law and care for her. One who works hard daily to ensure Naomi is well taken care of. One who chose to follow the real God.
And because of that, a descendent of Rahab (who God remembers also since the day of Joshua) and a Moabite received a tremendous inheritance, to be part of the lineage in which the Messiah will come from. And God remembers them to have their story recorded down for us through the generations.
Lesson 2:
Nothing is insignificant before God. God’s eyes are always on the upright. We remember the Lawrence Khongs and the Billy Grahams, but God remembers also those who mentored these great men of God. Sometimes we might feel that the things we do seemed so insignificant, but still continue to do that which is right before God. Just like Ruth abd Boaz, if you think, about it, they didn’t really do anything remotely spectacular, but God saw, and remembers them and gave them an everlasting inheritance. The friend beside you, or your cell member could just be the next Lawrence Khong, but God has chosen you to do impart into that life until the time is right. Will you do that which is right then?
Friday, April 06, 2007
Judges 19 - 21 (6th April) - Weiling
Judges 19
What unfolds in these chapters is a very scandalous story that would definitely make it to the headlines of The New Paper if it happened in these times.
A Levite’s concubine cheated on him and then returned to her father’s house. However, he still loved her and pursued her there to ask her to return to him. After much delay at her father’s house, they finally set off for home.
They had to find some place to spend the night as it was late. At first, his servant asked him to spend the night in a Jebusites city. However, he refused to spend the night there because they were not Israelites. Perhaps he thought it would be safer staying with his own people. He was so wrong.
The Benjamites of Gibeah harassed them where they were staying for the night and demanded that the old man who put them up to hand over the Levite so that the men could have sex with him. They have lost all conscience. To appease them, the concubine was handed over and she was tortured the whole night until she died. When the Levite realized she was dead, he brought her home and cut her up into twelve parts to send them to all the areas (probably tribes) in Israel as a protest against the violence done.
Judges 20
The Israelites of the different tribes were of course appalled and shocked by what happened. They decided to unite as one and seek justice. But the Benjamites refused to hand the men responsible over and were ready to fight the rest of the Israelites.
The Israelites sought God. They fought the Benjamites and lost 22,000 men.
They encouraged one another and positioned themselves to fight again. They sought God. God told them to go up against the Benjamites. Another 18,000 men were cut down.
The Israelites again inquired of God after weeping and faster. Again, God told them to go and said He would give them victory. They obeyed.
In the beginning, it looked like what it did before and the Benjamites were killing off the Israelites. But the Israelites had a new plan and drew the Benjamites away from the city to the roads. The Benjamites were ambushed and “the Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel” (20:35). All the Benjamites were wiped out save for the 600 who fled into the desert at the rock of Rimmon.
Judges 21
The Israelites had vowed not to give their daughters to the sons of Benjamin for wives because of what had happened before. However, they were grieved because they did not want to see one tribe missing from Israel. They had to figure a way out for the tribe of Benjamin to continue its lineage. They extended peace to those who had fled to the desert and instructed them to seize girls of Shiloh for their wives, because while the daughters cannot be GIVEN to the Benjamites, they could TAKE them.
It is indeed terrible when people simply do as they see fit or as they pleased without God in their lives (21:25). The sin of men and the acts they were capable of committing is frightful and yet we are also all sinners saved by grace.
What struck me in chapter 20 was that even though the Israelites were seeking justice and to redress a wrong, they still suffered great losses in two battles. But the Israelites stayed the course. They did not give up. They sought God. They trusted Him when He said go and they obeyed. They were united. And God gave them victory.
Though we may face struggles or “fights” and sometimes come away a little scratched, a little bruised… But take heart, warrior of God! Stay the course. Fight the fight. God will give you the victory. Amen.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
– 2 Cor 4: 8-10
What unfolds in these chapters is a very scandalous story that would definitely make it to the headlines of The New Paper if it happened in these times.
A Levite’s concubine cheated on him and then returned to her father’s house. However, he still loved her and pursued her there to ask her to return to him. After much delay at her father’s house, they finally set off for home.
They had to find some place to spend the night as it was late. At first, his servant asked him to spend the night in a Jebusites city. However, he refused to spend the night there because they were not Israelites. Perhaps he thought it would be safer staying with his own people. He was so wrong.
The Benjamites of Gibeah harassed them where they were staying for the night and demanded that the old man who put them up to hand over the Levite so that the men could have sex with him. They have lost all conscience. To appease them, the concubine was handed over and she was tortured the whole night until she died. When the Levite realized she was dead, he brought her home and cut her up into twelve parts to send them to all the areas (probably tribes) in Israel as a protest against the violence done.
Judges 20
The Israelites of the different tribes were of course appalled and shocked by what happened. They decided to unite as one and seek justice. But the Benjamites refused to hand the men responsible over and were ready to fight the rest of the Israelites.
The Israelites sought God. They fought the Benjamites and lost 22,000 men.
They encouraged one another and positioned themselves to fight again. They sought God. God told them to go up against the Benjamites. Another 18,000 men were cut down.
The Israelites again inquired of God after weeping and faster. Again, God told them to go and said He would give them victory. They obeyed.
In the beginning, it looked like what it did before and the Benjamites were killing off the Israelites. But the Israelites had a new plan and drew the Benjamites away from the city to the roads. The Benjamites were ambushed and “the Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel” (20:35). All the Benjamites were wiped out save for the 600 who fled into the desert at the rock of Rimmon.
Judges 21
The Israelites had vowed not to give their daughters to the sons of Benjamin for wives because of what had happened before. However, they were grieved because they did not want to see one tribe missing from Israel. They had to figure a way out for the tribe of Benjamin to continue its lineage. They extended peace to those who had fled to the desert and instructed them to seize girls of Shiloh for their wives, because while the daughters cannot be GIVEN to the Benjamites, they could TAKE them.
It is indeed terrible when people simply do as they see fit or as they pleased without God in their lives (21:25). The sin of men and the acts they were capable of committing is frightful and yet we are also all sinners saved by grace.
What struck me in chapter 20 was that even though the Israelites were seeking justice and to redress a wrong, they still suffered great losses in two battles. But the Israelites stayed the course. They did not give up. They sought God. They trusted Him when He said go and they obeyed. They were united. And God gave them victory.
Though we may face struggles or “fights” and sometimes come away a little scratched, a little bruised… But take heart, warrior of God! Stay the course. Fight the fight. God will give you the victory. Amen.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
– 2 Cor 4: 8-10
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Judges 16 - 18 (5th April) - Li Juan
Judges 16 – Samson and Delilah
Samson fell in love with Delilah and the rulers of Philistines wanted her to lure him into showing the secret of his great strength, so that they can overpower and subdue him.
1st Try
Delilah: Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued
Samson: If anyone ties me with 7 fresh thongs that have not been dried, I’ll become as weak as any other man
So, Delilah tried it out and it did not work!
2nd Try
Delilah: You have made a fool of me and lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied. (Think she’s a lil angry now!)
Samson: If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I’ll become weak as any other man.
And without a doubt, Delilah tried it out and it did not work too!
3rd Try
Delilah: Until now, you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied. (Changed tatic, can you sense that there’s this really whinny tone? *shivers*)
Samson: If you weave the 7 braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I’ll become weak as any other man.
Of course, Delilah tried it out and it did not work either!
4th Try
Delilah: How can you say ‘I love you’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength. (She’s a really naggy woman! She nagged Samson TO DEATH! This guy can’t resist such nagging, and so he told her..)
Samson: No razor has ever been used on my head because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.
And the Lord left Samson when his head was shaved by Delilah. Samson was seized by the Philistines and they gouged his eyes out (yucks) and made him a prisoner in Gaza.
Moral of the story for the ladies, if you sense that your husband / boyfriend is hiding anything from you, just NAG and NAG and NAG and… =)
Judges 16 – The Death of Samson
God strengthened Samson the last time when he was brought out to entertain the rulers of Philistines. Samson reached the 2 central pillars holding the temple and pushed with all his might. The temple came down on everyone who was in it!
Judges 17 & 18 – Micah’s Idol & Danites Settle in Laish
These chapters show the religious confusion in Israel, and picture the downward path of Israel resulting from the departure from the Word of God. In those days, Israel had no king and everyone did as he saw fit.
Micah and his mother were involved in idolatry, and this symbolizes what the whole nation was into at that time.
The Danites seeked further territory, took Micah’s idol and his priest, attacked the unsuspecting Laish and dwelled there.
Samson fell in love with Delilah and the rulers of Philistines wanted her to lure him into showing the secret of his great strength, so that they can overpower and subdue him.
1st Try
Delilah: Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued
Samson: If anyone ties me with 7 fresh thongs that have not been dried, I’ll become as weak as any other man
So, Delilah tried it out and it did not work!
2nd Try
Delilah: You have made a fool of me and lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied. (Think she’s a lil angry now!)
Samson: If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I’ll become weak as any other man.
And without a doubt, Delilah tried it out and it did not work too!
3rd Try
Delilah: Until now, you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied. (Changed tatic, can you sense that there’s this really whinny tone? *shivers*)
Samson: If you weave the 7 braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I’ll become weak as any other man.
Of course, Delilah tried it out and it did not work either!
4th Try
Delilah: How can you say ‘I love you’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength. (She’s a really naggy woman! She nagged Samson TO DEATH! This guy can’t resist such nagging, and so he told her..)
Samson: No razor has ever been used on my head because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.
And the Lord left Samson when his head was shaved by Delilah. Samson was seized by the Philistines and they gouged his eyes out (yucks) and made him a prisoner in Gaza.
Moral of the story for the ladies, if you sense that your husband / boyfriend is hiding anything from you, just NAG and NAG and NAG and… =)
Judges 16 – The Death of Samson
God strengthened Samson the last time when he was brought out to entertain the rulers of Philistines. Samson reached the 2 central pillars holding the temple and pushed with all his might. The temple came down on everyone who was in it!
Judges 17 & 18 – Micah’s Idol & Danites Settle in Laish
These chapters show the religious confusion in Israel, and picture the downward path of Israel resulting from the departure from the Word of God. In those days, Israel had no king and everyone did as he saw fit.
Micah and his mother were involved in idolatry, and this symbolizes what the whole nation was into at that time.
The Danites seeked further territory, took Micah’s idol and his priest, attacked the unsuspecting Laish and dwelled there.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Judges 13 - 15 (4th April) - Sylvia
Judges 13
The Israelites continued to do evil and were unholy in the eyes of the Lord so He gave them to the Philistines for forty years.
Our god is merciful and gracious. He sent a leader who would grow upto deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. He blessed Manoah, who was sterile and childless with a son, Samson. In return, she had to ensure that during the term of her pregnancy, she could not drink wine or any fermented drink and not eat anything unclean (v 4). When he was born, no razor could be used on his head as he was to be a Nazirite, consecrated and set apart from God.
As Samsom grew up, God blessed him and he began to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Samson was blessed with the gifts of strength and ability in physical battle.
The term Nazirite is described as "being holy unto the Lord"
Judges 14
Samson grows up and is of age to marry. Whilst on the streets, he sees a young Philistine woman from Timnah and wants to marry her. (Little do they know that it was actually an opportunity created by the Lord to confront the Philistines.)
As Samson and his father approaches Timnah, a young lion came roaring towards him and Samson was filled with the Spirit so powerfully that he just tore the lion apart with his bare hands. Can you imagine yourself tearing a live lion with your bare hands? Its not by our might or power, but by the strength of the Lord.
Few days later, as Samson goes back to marry the Philistine woman, he saw the lion's carcass and saw honey inside, which he scooped out and ate. He then used it as a riddle to the thirty Philistines. (his companions)
When they were unable find an answer, they got his wife to get the answer from him. After days of her tantrums and pressurising him, Samson finally told her the answer on the seventh day of the feast. When the other Philistines were able to answer his riddle, Samson knew that it was because his wife had told them and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he 'struck down thirty of their men', taking their belongings and giving their clothes to the men who had explained the riddle. His wife was given to the friend who had attended to him at the wedding.
All these were part of God's plan for Samson to go against the Philistines and battle with them.
Judges 15
Samson gets even with the Philistines and takes revenge.
He provokes them by burning up their shocks and standing grain, and vineyards and olive groves. After they retaliate by brning his wife and father to death, he takes revenge by attacking them viciously and slaughtering them.
When the Philistines tried to capture him, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he used a mere jawbone of a donkey and killed a thousand men.
Our God is Almighty indeed. Amen.
The Israelites continued to do evil and were unholy in the eyes of the Lord so He gave them to the Philistines for forty years.
Our god is merciful and gracious. He sent a leader who would grow upto deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. He blessed Manoah, who was sterile and childless with a son, Samson. In return, she had to ensure that during the term of her pregnancy, she could not drink wine or any fermented drink and not eat anything unclean (v 4). When he was born, no razor could be used on his head as he was to be a Nazirite, consecrated and set apart from God.
As Samsom grew up, God blessed him and he began to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Samson was blessed with the gifts of strength and ability in physical battle.
The term Nazirite is described as "being holy unto the Lord"
Judges 14
Samson grows up and is of age to marry. Whilst on the streets, he sees a young Philistine woman from Timnah and wants to marry her. (Little do they know that it was actually an opportunity created by the Lord to confront the Philistines.)
As Samson and his father approaches Timnah, a young lion came roaring towards him and Samson was filled with the Spirit so powerfully that he just tore the lion apart with his bare hands. Can you imagine yourself tearing a live lion with your bare hands? Its not by our might or power, but by the strength of the Lord.
Few days later, as Samson goes back to marry the Philistine woman, he saw the lion's carcass and saw honey inside, which he scooped out and ate. He then used it as a riddle to the thirty Philistines. (his companions)
When they were unable find an answer, they got his wife to get the answer from him. After days of her tantrums and pressurising him, Samson finally told her the answer on the seventh day of the feast. When the other Philistines were able to answer his riddle, Samson knew that it was because his wife had told them and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he 'struck down thirty of their men', taking their belongings and giving their clothes to the men who had explained the riddle. His wife was given to the friend who had attended to him at the wedding.
All these were part of God's plan for Samson to go against the Philistines and battle with them.
Judges 15
Samson gets even with the Philistines and takes revenge.
He provokes them by burning up their shocks and standing grain, and vineyards and olive groves. After they retaliate by brning his wife and father to death, he takes revenge by attacking them viciously and slaughtering them.
When the Philistines tried to capture him, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he used a mere jawbone of a donkey and killed a thousand men.
Our God is Almighty indeed. Amen.
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