Lamentations 3:37 – 3:51
We live in a more and more selfish world. The world is teaching us to focus on ourselves and take care of yourself. The fittest survives. So keep fighting in life, when we are in school, at work and even at home. We have learnt to complain and grumble about life when things don’t go our way, making us impatient people.
Verse 38-40: “Doesn't the High God speak everything, good things and hard things alike, into being? And why would anyone gifted with life complain when punished for sin?”
Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under God.
There is room for complaining, but if it is a sin that has been committed, then complaining just makes you look like a fool, especially in front of Satan. I believe we all don’t want to be a fool that entertains Satan. So before complaining, let’s us check on ourselves and reorder our lives under God and repent of our sin.
Lamentations 3:52 – 3:66
This part of the poem reflected sufferings of the poet, and his cry for God’s help. He was very transparent towards his feelings, and even told God to make those who have plotted against him for no cause repay for the harm that was inflicted unto him.
Lamentations 4
As I read this chapter, it shocked me how God’s chosen people had turned so evil. I believe that saddened God a lot. Being a God of Justice, He had to punish them. Although that brought joy to the enemies, it was temporary. God’s a professional in turning things around! Amen!
Verse 22: “And that's it for you, Zion. The punishment's complete. You won't have to go through this exile again. But Edom, your time is coming: He'll punish your evil life, put all your sins on display.”
God will not let the enemies laugh too long. He will definitely get them! So believe that justice prevails! Feeling unjustified? Nobody knows that you are being taken advantage of? Remember, God knows, and He will give you justice.
Lamentations 5
In this last poem of Lamentations, The people of God seemed to have realized so the seriousness of the consequences of their sins. It affected them so badly that they can no longer be joyful. So they asked for a new start. Our God is a god of 2nd chances. Nothing makes God happier than to see His children returning back to Him. He is always waiting…
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Lamentations 1:1 - 3:36 (25th August) - Li Juan
Lamentations was written by Jeremiah for the mourning of Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s intense burden of sympathy for Jerusalem discloses the love and sorrow of the Lord for the very people whom He is chastening. It is a similar burden to that which the Lord Jesus Christ expressed in His lament over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39).
Lam 3:22-39 is a recount of God’s faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love, for He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Lam 3:22-39 is a recount of God’s faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love, for He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Jeremiah 51-52 (24th August) - Crystal
Jeremiah 51
Babylon will come to an end. This chapter elaborates the details of the disaster that God is going to bring about. Babylon will be destroyed entirely. Not a single living thing will live. God will accomplish what He says. If God says that He will not tempt you beyond what you can bear, he will not because he knows you best and he will bring you through anything that he has placed to test you. Our God is holy, He will not give way or allow anything that falls short of His standard. Are you living up to His standard?
One of the reasons that God wants to destroy Babylon is because of the idols that the people had worship. In the month of the ghost festival, let us be vigilant and guard our heart in the things we see, we do and we say to pre-believers. This is a time when the devil wants to use to attack us and the pre-believers around us. Do not let Singapore become a land like Babylon.
Jeremiah 52
The fall of Jerusalem came to past as they too did evil in the eyes of the Lord. It is recorded that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon and the king build a siege to surround Jerusalem. There was a famine that came upon Jerusalem, it was so bad that the army broke through the gate and fled. Zedekiah was then captured. Soon after that, the commander of Babylon king came and set fire to all the royal buildings in Jerusalem which includes the temple of the Lord. Everything was torn down and valuables were taken away. The kingdom of Jerusalem which God had built on came to an end. Nothing last, not the king, not even the temple of the Lord because the presence of God had left. As you strive hard for your career, your studies, do not neglect your time for the Lord. The things on earth will not last. If God wants to take them away, He will and He can.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Is your crown a paper one?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Jeremiah 49 – 50 (23rd August) - Sylvia
Jeremiah 49
God speaks out of the things He is going to bring upon the cities that went against Him.
Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, Elam.
What do they have in common?
All of their rulers and people did wrong in God’s eyes thus He is going to bring about a downfall that will shock other cities as they see the ruins of once a mighty and glorious kingdom.
Notice that for Ammon and Edom, God is merciful and says He will restore their fortunes.
V6 “Yet afterward, I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites” declares the Lord.
V39 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come” declares the Lord.
And surely we know that God NEVER goes back on His word.
Jeremiah 50
This passage is entirely about the Lord speaking on how Babylon will be destroyed.
Babylon which dared to attack Israel, would be attacked by a strong and mighty army. IT would be in such ruins and despair that when the city has finally been captured, nations would hear its cry, there would be such a great impact.
This speaks of our Lord’s mighty wonder. Only by His hand can there be great victory over the strongest enemies impossible to defeat and overcome by human means.
“But by His might, we are set free!”
God speaks out of the things He is going to bring upon the cities that went against Him.
Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, Elam.
What do they have in common?
All of their rulers and people did wrong in God’s eyes thus He is going to bring about a downfall that will shock other cities as they see the ruins of once a mighty and glorious kingdom.
Notice that for Ammon and Edom, God is merciful and says He will restore their fortunes.
V6 “Yet afterward, I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites” declares the Lord.
V39 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come” declares the Lord.
And surely we know that God NEVER goes back on His word.
Jeremiah 50
This passage is entirely about the Lord speaking on how Babylon will be destroyed.
Babylon which dared to attack Israel, would be attacked by a strong and mighty army. IT would be in such ruins and despair that when the city has finally been captured, nations would hear its cry, there would be such a great impact.
This speaks of our Lord’s mighty wonder. Only by His hand can there be great victory over the strongest enemies impossible to defeat and overcome by human means.
“But by His might, we are set free!”
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Jeremiah 46 - 48 (22nd August) - Sky
In the following chapters we gain several insights about God and his plan for the world.
1) Although God chose Israel for a special purpose he loves all people and wants them to come to him
2) God is holy and will not tolerate sin
3) God's judgments are not based on prejudice and a desire for revenge but on fairness and justice
4) God does not delight in judgment but in salvation
5) God is impartial he judges everyone by the same standard
Whatever the outcome of each nation, the 5 truths is showed and may even explain the action and consequence of each nation.
Jeremiah 46
Gentiles or Non-Gentiles. GOD commissioned Jeremiah to speak not only to Israel but to non Jewish people.
3 different nations and prophesies is mentioned here, Egypt, Babylon and Israel.
Egypt-
As the Lord says that a day of vengeance for his foes has come. Egypt will fall and be defeated.
Babylon-
The Lord will be their support. That victory will be with them as Egypt will be put to shame and handed over to them.
Israel-
Assuring them that they will be saved, only disciplined with justice.
Reflect how each truth is showed in each nation.
Jeremiah 47
Images of overflowing torrents, galloping steeds, the Lord says that the day has come to destroy all Philistines, sweeping them away.
V7 how can it rest when the LORD has commanded it.
Their destruction came true enough as they ceased to exist as a nation. The last Biblical reference to a Philistine City is found in Nehemiah 13:24.
Jeremiah 48
As Jeremiah prophesized Moab, impending doom, destruction and calamity awaits them. And all of them end with “declares the Lord”. Seems quite dead serious isn’t it?
Jeremiah emotions showed in V31 Jeremiah wept over Moab’s impending doom though he preaches judgment, his heart was tender, causing him to mourn human tragedy, even when it happens to Israel’s enemies.
But he end with V47 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come” Declares the Lord.
It was hope, a light, a promise after a storm
Something I learn this year, through a storm you see Christ.
1) Although God chose Israel for a special purpose he loves all people and wants them to come to him
2) God is holy and will not tolerate sin
3) God's judgments are not based on prejudice and a desire for revenge but on fairness and justice
4) God does not delight in judgment but in salvation
5) God is impartial he judges everyone by the same standard
Whatever the outcome of each nation, the 5 truths is showed and may even explain the action and consequence of each nation.
Jeremiah 46
Gentiles or Non-Gentiles. GOD commissioned Jeremiah to speak not only to Israel but to non Jewish people.
3 different nations and prophesies is mentioned here, Egypt, Babylon and Israel.
Egypt-
As the Lord says that a day of vengeance for his foes has come. Egypt will fall and be defeated.
Babylon-
The Lord will be their support. That victory will be with them as Egypt will be put to shame and handed over to them.
Israel-
Assuring them that they will be saved, only disciplined with justice.
Reflect how each truth is showed in each nation.
Jeremiah 47
Images of overflowing torrents, galloping steeds, the Lord says that the day has come to destroy all Philistines, sweeping them away.
V7 how can it rest when the LORD has commanded it.
Their destruction came true enough as they ceased to exist as a nation. The last Biblical reference to a Philistine City is found in Nehemiah 13:24.
Jeremiah 48
As Jeremiah prophesized Moab, impending doom, destruction and calamity awaits them. And all of them end with “declares the Lord”. Seems quite dead serious isn’t it?
Jeremiah emotions showed in V31 Jeremiah wept over Moab’s impending doom though he preaches judgment, his heart was tender, causing him to mourn human tragedy, even when it happens to Israel’s enemies.
But he end with V47 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come” Declares the Lord.
It was hope, a light, a promise after a storm
Something I learn this year, through a storm you see Christ.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Jeremiah 41 - 45 (21st August) - Sky
Jeremiah 41
Using deception and surprise, Gegeliah was assassinated by Ishmael son of Nethaniah. This lead to turning point of Judah as they fled to Egypt because they were fearful of the Babylonians reprisals for the assassination of Geladliah whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.
Egypt, in the minds of the Israelites, had become almost synonymous with security. Sometimes Israel had sought military alliances with Egypt, though God denounced the lack of Faith in him. They probably felt safer to go as immigrants to Egypt than to stay and face the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar.
Times when you want to flee from a situation. Why not believe and trust? Sometimes it’s hard to have faith, but what other better options u have?
Jeremiah 42
As the Jews escape to Egypt, they approached Jeremiah to pray for them for direction. Like sheeps they were lost not only physically but spiritually.
In V5-6 it shows the Jews “humility, obedience and faith” as they choose to act according to the Lord, whether it’s favorable or unfavorable.
But it was more than just humility, it was desperation.
Through Jeremiah, God spoke that if they were to stay, GOD will build them up for HE is grieved over the disaster. But if they were to leave to Egypt, settling there. Death will follow.
Like hypocrites, promising to listen, the Jews changed their tunes.
Sometimes in life, do u choose not to listen? Especially unfavorable things or things where u have to deny yourself?
Jeremiah 43
In this chapter, the Jews entered Egypt in disobedience even of what Jeremiah prophesized, denouncing him as a liar and claiming Jeremiah’s secretary to be inciting him to say such things.
Although with such discouraging acts, Jeremiah and Baruch followed them still, whether they were force to by the Jews or went willingly seeing the Jews in need of divine help. It does not matter because Jeremiah remained faithful to his commitment in serving GOD, even when the people were rebellious.
Once again Jeremiah prophesized that only death would be in Egypt, while the people thought that it was a country of security for them
Jeremiah 44
Like rebellious children, the Jews repeating turned away from our Lord, even when the truth remains that HE is their solution. Idolatry filled the streets as they worshipped them, one of them mentioned in this chapter is “Queen of Heavens”, and she is the Goddess of Sexual love and fertility in Egypt. Similar Goddess, Greek is Aphrodite and Babylon is Ishtar. Now as immigrants fitting into a new culture, they took on gods of that culture as well.
GOD’s anger raged, detested by what they do. “Why bring disaster upon themselves? Why provoke me into anger?” The Lord asks.
As history repeats itself, the Lord was determined to bring disaster on Judah as all will perish in Egypt by the sword or famine.
Jeremiah ended this chapter in a frightening manner.
v26 “I swear by my great name,” says the Lord, “that no one from Judah living anywhere in Egypt will ever again invoke my name or swear”
Ask yourself, if you were being told that, would you be frightened, lost, losing all hope and faith or will u choose to cry out and humble yourself?
Jeremiah 45
A personal prophesy was shared here to Baruch
V5 should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, For I Will being disaster on all people, declares the Lord but wherever u go I will let u escape with your life.
Using deception and surprise, Gegeliah was assassinated by Ishmael son of Nethaniah. This lead to turning point of Judah as they fled to Egypt because they were fearful of the Babylonians reprisals for the assassination of Geladliah whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.
Egypt, in the minds of the Israelites, had become almost synonymous with security. Sometimes Israel had sought military alliances with Egypt, though God denounced the lack of Faith in him. They probably felt safer to go as immigrants to Egypt than to stay and face the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar.
Times when you want to flee from a situation. Why not believe and trust? Sometimes it’s hard to have faith, but what other better options u have?
Jeremiah 42
As the Jews escape to Egypt, they approached Jeremiah to pray for them for direction. Like sheeps they were lost not only physically but spiritually.
In V5-6 it shows the Jews “humility, obedience and faith” as they choose to act according to the Lord, whether it’s favorable or unfavorable.
But it was more than just humility, it was desperation.
Through Jeremiah, God spoke that if they were to stay, GOD will build them up for HE is grieved over the disaster. But if they were to leave to Egypt, settling there. Death will follow.
Like hypocrites, promising to listen, the Jews changed their tunes.
Sometimes in life, do u choose not to listen? Especially unfavorable things or things where u have to deny yourself?
Jeremiah 43
In this chapter, the Jews entered Egypt in disobedience even of what Jeremiah prophesized, denouncing him as a liar and claiming Jeremiah’s secretary to be inciting him to say such things.
Although with such discouraging acts, Jeremiah and Baruch followed them still, whether they were force to by the Jews or went willingly seeing the Jews in need of divine help. It does not matter because Jeremiah remained faithful to his commitment in serving GOD, even when the people were rebellious.
Once again Jeremiah prophesized that only death would be in Egypt, while the people thought that it was a country of security for them
Jeremiah 44
Like rebellious children, the Jews repeating turned away from our Lord, even when the truth remains that HE is their solution. Idolatry filled the streets as they worshipped them, one of them mentioned in this chapter is “Queen of Heavens”, and she is the Goddess of Sexual love and fertility in Egypt. Similar Goddess, Greek is Aphrodite and Babylon is Ishtar. Now as immigrants fitting into a new culture, they took on gods of that culture as well.
GOD’s anger raged, detested by what they do. “Why bring disaster upon themselves? Why provoke me into anger?” The Lord asks.
As history repeats itself, the Lord was determined to bring disaster on Judah as all will perish in Egypt by the sword or famine.
Jeremiah ended this chapter in a frightening manner.
v26 “I swear by my great name,” says the Lord, “that no one from Judah living anywhere in Egypt will ever again invoke my name or swear”
Ask yourself, if you were being told that, would you be frightened, lost, losing all hope and faith or will u choose to cry out and humble yourself?
Jeremiah 45
A personal prophesy was shared here to Baruch
V5 should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, For I Will being disaster on all people, declares the Lord but wherever u go I will let u escape with your life.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Habakkuk 1 - 3 (20th August) - Li Juan
Habakkuk is a man of great faith. He questioned God about the rampant injustice which was taking place. When God told him that He is sending the Babylonians next, he thinks that it is even more unfair to the people with this group of ruthless Babylonians. Yet, God said that His plans have to come to pass, but “the righteous will live by his faith” (Hab 2:5). Similarly, this is also being mentioned in (Romans 1:17) and (Galatians 3:11). Indeed, faith should form the fundamentals of our lives, the basis we live by, the golden rule we hold on to.
Lastly, God told Habakkuk that the Babylonians will be punished eventually, and God’s people will see justice. We first have to acknowledge that God holds the whole world in His hands. He carries out His plans according to His timing and reasons. What Habakkuk sees (and what we see in our own lives) is just a small part of His great mighty plan. We can never comprehend the big picture, thus we can only live by faith to believe that God has the best for us, and it will be revealed eventually. Holding on to this hope, Habakkuk found his joy once again after losing the hope in the world.
An analogy: Just like how a snail can never understand how a human mind functions, we can never know how God works too. Faith is the only solution. =)
Lastly, God told Habakkuk that the Babylonians will be punished eventually, and God’s people will see justice. We first have to acknowledge that God holds the whole world in His hands. He carries out His plans according to His timing and reasons. What Habakkuk sees (and what we see in our own lives) is just a small part of His great mighty plan. We can never comprehend the big picture, thus we can only live by faith to believe that God has the best for us, and it will be revealed eventually. Holding on to this hope, Habakkuk found his joy once again after losing the hope in the world.
An analogy: Just like how a snail can never understand how a human mind functions, we can never know how God works too. Faith is the only solution. =)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
2 Kings 24 – 25; 2 Chronicles 36 (19th August) – Sylvia
These chapters speak about how the Lord brought about the fall of Jerusalem as he had declared because of the evil deeds that the kings and the people had committed.
The Babylonians attacked the city and it was all handed over to King Nebuchadnezzar. The glory of the Lord’s temple had been destroyed and King of Persia reigned
God is a God of second chances!
23 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
" 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.' "
HE ultimately wants to set His people free! Moving the king’s heart, He put it in his heart to allow the people of God who wanted to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem to return.
The Babylonians attacked the city and it was all handed over to King Nebuchadnezzar. The glory of the Lord’s temple had been destroyed and King of Persia reigned
God is a God of second chances!
23 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
" 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.' "
HE ultimately wants to set His people free! Moving the king’s heart, He put it in his heart to allow the people of God who wanted to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem to return.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Jeremiah 38 - 40, Psalms 74, 79 (18th August) - Ivy
Jeremiah 38-40
The officials didn’t like what Jeremiah prophesized over Jerusalem and asked King Zedekiah to have him locked away. However upon hearing that Jeremiah may die, King Zedekiah asked to see Jeremiah. King Zedekiah probably pondered over what Jeremiah prophesized. I thought it was pretty humble of King Zedekiah to ask Jeremiah not to hide any truths from him. Jeremiah told King Zedekiah that he is to surrender himself to Babylonian King. And if he did, his life and entire family will be save. However King Zedekiah did not obey the word of the Lord and he saw his family die before his own eyes and also had his eyes put out and bound with shackles and taken to Babylon.
However, instead of persecuting Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders to his guards to look after Jeremiah, not to harm him and do whatever he asks. At that time, God spoke again Jeremiah and told him to prophesize Ebed-Melech the Cushite. Jeremiah gave invitation to the commander of guard to follow him and be freed from the chains of his wrist. It could signify to be free from having to kill? But King Nebuchadnezzar just told Jeremiah to go to live see Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan and live amongst the people.
Being a prophet, not only does Jeremiah have the anointing from God but also the wisdom and protection. Despite being in a tough situation where his life is at risk, Jeremiah obeyed God to prophesized over the kings. However it also seems that Jeremiah is calm about being taken captive. How could he be so calm? How did he have the audacity to speak over the kings? How was he so sure that he would not be killed?
I guess the answer would have to be, he knew the very heart of God. He knew God’s plans for him. He knew the promises of God and did not waiver. He places his life at the altar of God and he knows his purpose and mission is to serve and deliver God’s message.
Do you know your purpose? Do you know what your life is made for? Or are you lost and do not know what is ahead of you? Would u grab hold of God today and seek him for His purpose for you until the day he reveals them to you? Would you trust the Lord like Jeremiah that He will bring you through all trials and persecutions?
Would you claim the promises of Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 74
This is a prayer to plead God to intervene in their country’s situation. A call for God’s hands to deliver them from their enemies.
Psalm 79
Verse 6:
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.
The psalmist must have seen the sins which the Godless nations commit and ask that God’s wrath come upon them. We may think, aiyoh, why so bad har? Cursing other nations?? I believe then other kingdoms must have been so sinful and so unrepentant that only a disaster will cause a change of heart. And sometimes, it really takes a calamity or disasters for God to be clearly seen by man.
Verse 9: Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake….
Verse 13: Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
See how the psalmist ask the Lord to cleanse his people of their sins and deliver them. So that his people will praise the name of the Lord from generations to generations.
Would you pray for your family? Friends? Colleagues? Our land? Our neighbours? Could you pray that God would be reveals in all situations and that the heart of the Godless will turn to him? May our generations down be able to see the goodness of our good Lord and give praise from many generations down!
The officials didn’t like what Jeremiah prophesized over Jerusalem and asked King Zedekiah to have him locked away. However upon hearing that Jeremiah may die, King Zedekiah asked to see Jeremiah. King Zedekiah probably pondered over what Jeremiah prophesized. I thought it was pretty humble of King Zedekiah to ask Jeremiah not to hide any truths from him. Jeremiah told King Zedekiah that he is to surrender himself to Babylonian King. And if he did, his life and entire family will be save. However King Zedekiah did not obey the word of the Lord and he saw his family die before his own eyes and also had his eyes put out and bound with shackles and taken to Babylon.
However, instead of persecuting Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders to his guards to look after Jeremiah, not to harm him and do whatever he asks. At that time, God spoke again Jeremiah and told him to prophesize Ebed-Melech the Cushite. Jeremiah gave invitation to the commander of guard to follow him and be freed from the chains of his wrist. It could signify to be free from having to kill? But King Nebuchadnezzar just told Jeremiah to go to live see Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan and live amongst the people.
Being a prophet, not only does Jeremiah have the anointing from God but also the wisdom and protection. Despite being in a tough situation where his life is at risk, Jeremiah obeyed God to prophesized over the kings. However it also seems that Jeremiah is calm about being taken captive. How could he be so calm? How did he have the audacity to speak over the kings? How was he so sure that he would not be killed?
I guess the answer would have to be, he knew the very heart of God. He knew God’s plans for him. He knew the promises of God and did not waiver. He places his life at the altar of God and he knows his purpose and mission is to serve and deliver God’s message.
Do you know your purpose? Do you know what your life is made for? Or are you lost and do not know what is ahead of you? Would u grab hold of God today and seek him for His purpose for you until the day he reveals them to you? Would you trust the Lord like Jeremiah that He will bring you through all trials and persecutions?
Would you claim the promises of Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 74
This is a prayer to plead God to intervene in their country’s situation. A call for God’s hands to deliver them from their enemies.
Psalm 79
Verse 6:
Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.
The psalmist must have seen the sins which the Godless nations commit and ask that God’s wrath come upon them. We may think, aiyoh, why so bad har? Cursing other nations?? I believe then other kingdoms must have been so sinful and so unrepentant that only a disaster will cause a change of heart. And sometimes, it really takes a calamity or disasters for God to be clearly seen by man.
Verse 9: Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake….
Verse 13: Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
See how the psalmist ask the Lord to cleanse his people of their sins and deliver them. So that his people will praise the name of the Lord from generations to generations.
Would you pray for your family? Friends? Colleagues? Our land? Our neighbours? Could you pray that God would be reveals in all situations and that the heart of the Godless will turn to him? May our generations down be able to see the goodness of our good Lord and give praise from many generations down!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Jeremiah 35 - 37 (17th August) - Sylvia
The Recabites
The Recabites were obedient people who listened to evey commands that their forefather, Jonadab had laid upon them. As compared tot he men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, they did not take heed of the commands set upon them. The Recabites were greatly blessed because of their obedience.
How often in our lives have we always not taken heed of our spiritual leader's advice / gone against our parents? We want to rebel and not obey just because we don't agree with other's advice, even when its often for our own good.
Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll
The Lord had spoken to Jeremiah about His people, so that they would turn back when they heard about what God would do should they still refuse to repent. As Bamch read out what Jeremiah had dictated, the officials overheard him ad reported the matter to the king.
The king and his attendants were neither remorseful nor fearful. Because of this unrepentance, the king and his people would be punished with disasters inflicted upon them as decreed by God.
Jeremiah in Prison
Jeremiah got thrown in prison as he tried to go to the territory of Benjamin to get his share of the property. He got mistaken to be a traitor, about to run to the Babylonians.
Thank God that King Zedekiah was not that cruel and ruthless to thrown Jeremiah back in jail for a crime he did not commit. Instead, he showed mercy and Jeremiah was placed in the guard's courtyard and given bread.
The Recabites were obedient people who listened to evey commands that their forefather, Jonadab had laid upon them. As compared tot he men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, they did not take heed of the commands set upon them. The Recabites were greatly blessed because of their obedience.
How often in our lives have we always not taken heed of our spiritual leader's advice / gone against our parents? We want to rebel and not obey just because we don't agree with other's advice, even when its often for our own good.
Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah's Scroll
The Lord had spoken to Jeremiah about His people, so that they would turn back when they heard about what God would do should they still refuse to repent. As Bamch read out what Jeremiah had dictated, the officials overheard him ad reported the matter to the king.
The king and his attendants were neither remorseful nor fearful. Because of this unrepentance, the king and his people would be punished with disasters inflicted upon them as decreed by God.
Jeremiah in Prison
Jeremiah got thrown in prison as he tried to go to the territory of Benjamin to get his share of the property. He got mistaken to be a traitor, about to run to the Babylonians.
Thank God that King Zedekiah was not that cruel and ruthless to thrown Jeremiah back in jail for a crime he did not commit. Instead, he showed mercy and Jeremiah was placed in the guard's courtyard and given bread.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Jeremiah 32 - 34 (16th August) - Xiao Woon
Jeremiah 32
Jeremiah was imprisoned because he prophesied that the Lord is about to hand Jerusalem over to the king of Babylon, and he will take it.
The Lord sent him a message and said that Jeremiah’s cousin Hanamel will sell his field at Anathoth to him. It indeed happened and Jeremiah bought the field. He then told Baruch to keep both the sealed and unsealed deeds in a pottery jar as the Lord says that someday people will again own property in that land and will buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields.
Jeremiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord gave him a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. They have done much evil in God’s sight and God’s determined to get rid of them. However, He promised that He will restore them back to the same city and let them live in peace and safety.
Our sins have consequences. The sins of the people of Jerusalem have caused calamities to come upon them. However our Lord has so much compassion on His people. Despite everything that they have done, He still intends to restore them back and give them a good life someday.
Jeremiah 33
Verse 3: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
We can ask God for a vision or revelation. He will show to us because He promised in this verse=)
God promised that the time will come when He will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. He will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.
Isn’t it great to know that the Lord our God loves us so much? Yes, each and every one of us. He loves us very deeply. Let us also love God the same=)
Jeremiah 34
King Zedekiah made a covenant with the people, proclaiming freedom for the slaves. He had ordered all the people to free their Hebrew slaves, but changed their minds later and forced them to be slaves again.
They broke their covenant with God and God is going to cut them apart and destroy them.
God takes covenants very seriously. He is a faithful God who keeps to His promises and covenants with us. He does not joke about promises and covenants. Thus, as we make a covenant or a promise to God, let us also be faithful to what we promised or covenanted with him=)
Jeremiah was imprisoned because he prophesied that the Lord is about to hand Jerusalem over to the king of Babylon, and he will take it.
The Lord sent him a message and said that Jeremiah’s cousin Hanamel will sell his field at Anathoth to him. It indeed happened and Jeremiah bought the field. He then told Baruch to keep both the sealed and unsealed deeds in a pottery jar as the Lord says that someday people will again own property in that land and will buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields.
Jeremiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord gave him a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. They have done much evil in God’s sight and God’s determined to get rid of them. However, He promised that He will restore them back to the same city and let them live in peace and safety.
Our sins have consequences. The sins of the people of Jerusalem have caused calamities to come upon them. However our Lord has so much compassion on His people. Despite everything that they have done, He still intends to restore them back and give them a good life someday.
Jeremiah 33
Verse 3: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
We can ask God for a vision or revelation. He will show to us because He promised in this verse=)
God promised that the time will come when He will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. He will restore them to their land and have mercy on them.
Isn’t it great to know that the Lord our God loves us so much? Yes, each and every one of us. He loves us very deeply. Let us also love God the same=)
Jeremiah 34
King Zedekiah made a covenant with the people, proclaiming freedom for the slaves. He had ordered all the people to free their Hebrew slaves, but changed their minds later and forced them to be slaves again.
They broke their covenant with God and God is going to cut them apart and destroy them.
God takes covenants very seriously. He is a faithful God who keeps to His promises and covenants with us. He does not joke about promises and covenants. Thus, as we make a covenant or a promise to God, let us also be faithful to what we promised or covenanted with him=)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Jeremiah 30 - 31 (15th August) - Junming
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Only by His grace alone are we saved.
In the chapters preceding Jer 30, God spoke through Jeremiah that judgment would befall His chosen people Israel, and they would be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. But in Jer 30 and 31, God promised restoration, without any condition!
Jer 30:22 ''So you will be my people, and i will be your God.''
Jer 31:33 ''I will be their God, and they will be my people.''
God does not forsake us no matter what. In 30:11, He says He will not completely destroy us, but will discipline us justly.
Jer 31:3 ''I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness''
Indeed God loves us with a love that endures through all circumstances. His love reaches out even to those who curse and deny Him. His love is unconditional. He loves us not because of who we are but because of who He is. He is love. [1Jhn 4:16] He does not just love us, HE IS LOVE! And by doing anything else but that would contradict his very own nature.
Jer 31:9 ''They will come with weeping, they will pray as i bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.''
Verse after verse, God affirms His unconditional love for us. Nothing we do will make him love us any less! He loves because He has chosen us. Let this be a truth we take into our daily lives, knowing that God loves us. Rest in the knowledge that He holds our hands and is pleased with us=) But remember, He leaves no sin unpunished. So if you're far, come back. He'll always be there for you. And why all the unconditional love?
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Only by His grace alone are we saved.
In the chapters preceding Jer 30, God spoke through Jeremiah that judgment would befall His chosen people Israel, and they would be delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. But in Jer 30 and 31, God promised restoration, without any condition!
Jer 30:22 ''So you will be my people, and i will be your God.''
Jer 31:33 ''I will be their God, and they will be my people.''
God does not forsake us no matter what. In 30:11, He says He will not completely destroy us, but will discipline us justly.
Jer 31:3 ''I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness''
Indeed God loves us with a love that endures through all circumstances. His love reaches out even to those who curse and deny Him. His love is unconditional. He loves us not because of who we are but because of who He is. He is love. [1Jhn 4:16] He does not just love us, HE IS LOVE! And by doing anything else but that would contradict his very own nature.
Jer 31:9 ''They will come with weeping, they will pray as i bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.''
Verse after verse, God affirms His unconditional love for us. Nothing we do will make him love us any less! He loves because He has chosen us. Let this be a truth we take into our daily lives, knowing that God loves us. Rest in the knowledge that He holds our hands and is pleased with us=) But remember, He leaves no sin unpunished. So if you're far, come back. He'll always be there for you. And why all the unconditional love?
Not because of what we've done, but because of who God is.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Jeremiah 26 - 29 (14th August) - Sky
Jeremiah 26
Jeremiah lived in a time of false prophets, as they assured the people of God’s continued blessing and protection, Jeremiah prophesized destruction. Accustomed to hearing the words they wanted to hear, the people could not tolerate Jeremiah’s message of calamity and judgment, threatening him with death.
But GOD honored Jeremiah for saying what had to be said, regardless of the cost, and intervened to turn the crowd around.
Does GOD Change his plans? Its shows one thing about our Father, HIS mercy triumphs over judgment.
Jeremiah 27
Something interesting happen in this chapter, GOD handed the countries over to his servant Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, asking them to submit to him
Why did GOD call a pagan King his servant?
The Babylonians were neither more righteous nor deserving than the other nations, but they fit God’s purpose.
His ways maybe surprising or perplexing. But when we cannot trace HIS hand, we can always trust HIS heart.
Jeremiah 28
As Hananiah prophesized assurance of prosperity to the people. Jeremiah prophesized a message of doom. By contrast, it opposed the tide of popular opinion.
In V5-6, Jeremiah was probable being sarcastic to Hananiah’s reply. But he genuinely wanted the temple and the nation to be restored.
Jeremiah was bothered by false prophets, because as they claimed to speak for GOD, the false prophets held and enormous potential influence. Jeremiah recognized that, left unchecked, they could push the entire nation further away from GOD. Besides, Jeremiah is God’s spokesperson =)
Jeremiah 29
I believe after reading this chapter, what catch me most was Jeremiah 29:11 which I believe most of us have heard before.
“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I believe this verse has a different impact in each of our lives. We are always encouraged by this verse, especially in difficult times, because GOD does not forget his people despite appearances to the contrary. And we know… simply GOD understands what we have to go through.
In V26 Jeremiah ends this chapter in an insightful manner. Eccentric as they often were in behavior, true prophets were set apart from lunatic by the ultimate fulfillment of their message.
And that’s why till today, some people still consider Christ as a madman, until his ultimate fulfillment of his Love comes.
Jeremiah lived in a time of false prophets, as they assured the people of God’s continued blessing and protection, Jeremiah prophesized destruction. Accustomed to hearing the words they wanted to hear, the people could not tolerate Jeremiah’s message of calamity and judgment, threatening him with death.
But GOD honored Jeremiah for saying what had to be said, regardless of the cost, and intervened to turn the crowd around.
Does GOD Change his plans? Its shows one thing about our Father, HIS mercy triumphs over judgment.
Jeremiah 27
Something interesting happen in this chapter, GOD handed the countries over to his servant Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, asking them to submit to him
Why did GOD call a pagan King his servant?
The Babylonians were neither more righteous nor deserving than the other nations, but they fit God’s purpose.
His ways maybe surprising or perplexing. But when we cannot trace HIS hand, we can always trust HIS heart.
Jeremiah 28
As Hananiah prophesized assurance of prosperity to the people. Jeremiah prophesized a message of doom. By contrast, it opposed the tide of popular opinion.
In V5-6, Jeremiah was probable being sarcastic to Hananiah’s reply. But he genuinely wanted the temple and the nation to be restored.
Jeremiah was bothered by false prophets, because as they claimed to speak for GOD, the false prophets held and enormous potential influence. Jeremiah recognized that, left unchecked, they could push the entire nation further away from GOD. Besides, Jeremiah is God’s spokesperson =)
Jeremiah 29
I believe after reading this chapter, what catch me most was Jeremiah 29:11 which I believe most of us have heard before.
“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I believe this verse has a different impact in each of our lives. We are always encouraged by this verse, especially in difficult times, because GOD does not forget his people despite appearances to the contrary. And we know… simply GOD understands what we have to go through.
In V26 Jeremiah ends this chapter in an insightful manner. Eccentric as they often were in behavior, true prophets were set apart from lunatic by the ultimate fulfillment of their message.
And that’s why till today, some people still consider Christ as a madman, until his ultimate fulfillment of his Love comes.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Jeremiah 23-25 (13th July) - Crystal
Jeremiah 23
The first part of chapter 23 speaks of how the Lord will deal with those who did not look after His sheep. God will take away the sheep and leave them in the care of others. Have you left your sheep wandering? Be it your cell members or people that God has placed in your life to take care of, e.g. your siblings.
In the rest of the chapter, it talks about false and lying prophets. God’s anger against them will not turn back, what He has in mind, He will accomplish it. In verse 24 “Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.” This verse tells us that no matter where you go, where you hide, God will still find you. There is no secret that God doesn’t know. It depends on you whether you would sit down and have a chat with Him. I believe, God will give you direction from there.
Jeremiah 24
God uses figs to explain to Jeremiah the situation of Judah and how God is going to deal with them. The good figs are the exiles, they are those who God will protect and watch over. The ones who will fight for God’s Kingdom. For the bad figs, God will destroy them totally. He will uproot their sins and throw them off. Just like the bad figs, they cannot be eaten. Do you want to be a good fig or a bad fig? If you want to be a good fig, pick out all the rotten part of yourself and allow His forgiveness to flow in. Let Him cleanse you. Fight for Him till the end.
Jeremiah 25
God pour down his wrath against Judah. Before He punished Judah, He sent His people to warn them against sinning. However, the people of Judah did not take it to heart. Once again, He told them not to worship other gods except Him. His words have gone into deaf ears, God does not tolerate unholiness, He gave Judah many opportunities to turn back to Him but they refused and continue in their evil ways.
God uses people around us to speak to us, to guard our hearts from sinning. Do you only take in good comments from people? Consider those who rebuke in love, sometimes it might hurt but do not let those words fall on hard soil.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Jeremiah 18 - 22 (12th August) - Vivien
Jeremiah 18
Are you moldable? In this chapter, God revealed to Jeremiah a revelation through a potter shaping clay. God is our potter. He already has a good plan in mind how He wanted to shape us. However if you choose to be rebellious, He can put all good things to an end. Thank God, that He always gives second chances.
In verse 8, “and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.”
But in verse 10, it says that if we do evil in His sight and disobey Him, He will reconsider His good intention for us.
The Israelites actually made plans against Jeremiah, because the words that Jeremiah sent to them were unpleasant to their ears.
Come to think of it, it really takes a lot of boldness and faith to be a prophet, especially for Jeremiah. Jeremiah was just a messenger of God, but the people of Israel choose not to deny what he has said and intend to get rid of him. Servants of God, persevere! Do what pleases God and not Man. This kind of reminded me of the Korean Christians who were martyred. Like Stephen in Acts 7:58 though he was stoned for no good reason, that had impacted Apostle Paul in some ways, so similar I believe that they will not die in vain, God has a plan and the “Apostle Paul” effect will come next!
Here is something that may be more relevant to us. Do we run away or reject or find excuses to deny teachings that you know is for our good, but it requires you to sacrifice something. For example, your leader tells you that it does not please God when you stop attending cell group because of work. So are you going to be obedient and stop work immediately on Sundays? Or are you going to ignore and deny that you are doing fine without attending cell since you have been attending service faithfully every Sunday? Are we going to choose to be like the Israelites?
Verse 19 –23: Jeremiah must have felt rejected and fed up with the reaction of the people. So he cried out to God to stand with him, in anger and despondency I guess.
Jeremiah 19 - 20
God responded to Jeremiah’s cry, and instructed him to buy the clay jar and declare to the people the bad news to them. What happened next? He was beaten up and locked up for a day. When he was released, Jeremiah continued to prophesize, not being afraid that he would be beaten up again.
It’s not easy to be a Jeremiah. After the accusations and beatings that he had gotten he complained to God, saying that God has tricked him and he had let God tricked him. He was nearing to throw in the white flag. But he didn’t. He knew that he is weak but God is strong, and he chose to continue to praise God. He cursed his birth, instead of blaming his tragedy on God. God knows our limit, and every thought matters to Him. He understands that we need to complain to not drive ourselves crazy. And so Jeremiah’s Complaint was recorded in the Bible. However, after complaining we need to come back to God and surrender whatever problems we are facing, and recognize that He is in control.
Jeremiah 21
When trouble came for Israel, King Zedekiah called for Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD, hoping that God would perform some miracles. Gosh… what kind of attitude is this! King Zedekiah was just trying his luck to see maybe God could perform magic for Israel… v2b“… Perhaps the LORD will perform wonders for us as in times past so that he [Nebuchadnezzar] will withdraw from us.” Is this the kind of respect for God?
God is really slow to anger. How did God react? Read carefully the words used. v4: “… I am about to turn against you…” & v8: “… See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.” & v12: “… ‘Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire…’” God is still giving second chances…
Thank you God, for you are merciful. We should be like Him too. Always leave a second chance for others, and if others don’t grab the second chance we know that they are courting their own trouble.
Jeremiah 22
God reminded the king of Judah the role of a king. And God might love him, but if he has done evil in the eyes of God, God would still punish.
“As sure as I am the living God ‘-God's Decree-’ even if you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were the signet ring on my right hand, I'd pull you off and give you to those who are out to kill you...” v24-25 (The Message)
This is how just and fair our God is.
Ultimately, God’s heart is with the weak. God never forgets them, so we should not too!
Are you moldable? In this chapter, God revealed to Jeremiah a revelation through a potter shaping clay. God is our potter. He already has a good plan in mind how He wanted to shape us. However if you choose to be rebellious, He can put all good things to an end. Thank God, that He always gives second chances.
In verse 8, “and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.”
But in verse 10, it says that if we do evil in His sight and disobey Him, He will reconsider His good intention for us.
The Israelites actually made plans against Jeremiah, because the words that Jeremiah sent to them were unpleasant to their ears.
Come to think of it, it really takes a lot of boldness and faith to be a prophet, especially for Jeremiah. Jeremiah was just a messenger of God, but the people of Israel choose not to deny what he has said and intend to get rid of him. Servants of God, persevere! Do what pleases God and not Man. This kind of reminded me of the Korean Christians who were martyred. Like Stephen in Acts 7:58 though he was stoned for no good reason, that had impacted Apostle Paul in some ways, so similar I believe that they will not die in vain, God has a plan and the “Apostle Paul” effect will come next!
Here is something that may be more relevant to us. Do we run away or reject or find excuses to deny teachings that you know is for our good, but it requires you to sacrifice something. For example, your leader tells you that it does not please God when you stop attending cell group because of work. So are you going to be obedient and stop work immediately on Sundays? Or are you going to ignore and deny that you are doing fine without attending cell since you have been attending service faithfully every Sunday? Are we going to choose to be like the Israelites?
Verse 19 –23: Jeremiah must have felt rejected and fed up with the reaction of the people. So he cried out to God to stand with him, in anger and despondency I guess.
Jeremiah 19 - 20
God responded to Jeremiah’s cry, and instructed him to buy the clay jar and declare to the people the bad news to them. What happened next? He was beaten up and locked up for a day. When he was released, Jeremiah continued to prophesize, not being afraid that he would be beaten up again.
It’s not easy to be a Jeremiah. After the accusations and beatings that he had gotten he complained to God, saying that God has tricked him and he had let God tricked him. He was nearing to throw in the white flag. But he didn’t. He knew that he is weak but God is strong, and he chose to continue to praise God. He cursed his birth, instead of blaming his tragedy on God. God knows our limit, and every thought matters to Him. He understands that we need to complain to not drive ourselves crazy. And so Jeremiah’s Complaint was recorded in the Bible. However, after complaining we need to come back to God and surrender whatever problems we are facing, and recognize that He is in control.
Jeremiah 21
When trouble came for Israel, King Zedekiah called for Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD, hoping that God would perform some miracles. Gosh… what kind of attitude is this! King Zedekiah was just trying his luck to see maybe God could perform magic for Israel… v2b“… Perhaps the LORD will perform wonders for us as in times past so that he [Nebuchadnezzar] will withdraw from us.” Is this the kind of respect for God?
God is really slow to anger. How did God react? Read carefully the words used. v4: “… I am about to turn against you…” & v8: “… See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.” & v12: “… ‘Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire…’” God is still giving second chances…
Thank you God, for you are merciful. We should be like Him too. Always leave a second chance for others, and if others don’t grab the second chance we know that they are courting their own trouble.
Jeremiah 22
God reminded the king of Judah the role of a king. And God might love him, but if he has done evil in the eyes of God, God would still punish.
“As sure as I am the living God ‘-God's Decree-’ even if you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were the signet ring on my right hand, I'd pull you off and give you to those who are out to kill you...” v24-25 (The Message)
This is how just and fair our God is.
Ultimately, God’s heart is with the weak. God never forgets them, so we should not too!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Jeremiah 14 - 17 (11th August) - Stephanie
In Jeremiah 14, the Lord continues to talk about the sins of Judah. Jeremiah continues to intercede and plead for the people. But God is firm and says this, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.” The Lord also warns that lying prophets will perish by sword and famine because they had been prophesying in His name, saying that “No sword or famine will touch this land,” when the Lord had not sent them.
In Jeremiah 15, we see the Lord continuing to be firm on His judgment. There is even the mention of the Lord saying this, “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people.” Jeremiah, however, receives a promise for himself i.e. the Lord will save Jeremiah from the hands of the wicked and redeem him from the grasp of the cruel despite of His judgment on the people of this land.
In Jeremiah 16, the Lord tells Jeremiah not to marry or have children, not to mourn or show sympathy at the houses where funerals are being held because the people born in this land will die of deadly diseases and because the Lord has withdrawn His blessing, love and pity from the people.
The gist of Jeremiah 17 seems to be in these verses - “Cursed in the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (v5) "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (v7-8)
Let’s just take a moment to ponder upon some questions: -
• Are there any “drought conditions” that you may be facing today?
• Do you find it easier to trust someone or something else besides God to see you through these “drought conditions”?
Respond to the Lord in prayer and surrender these “drought conditions” to Him. Renew your trust in the Lord and ask that His “living water” refresh you. Pray for yourself that you will be that tree that does not fear heat, whose leaves are forever green. Because only then, you need not have to worry, for you will know that despite any seasonal changes, be it drought or famine, you will continue to grow, prosper and be fruitful in your due season. (also read Psalm 1:1-3)
And finally, do remember and note that it is important to keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing any work on it i.e. also to say that praising, worshiping, learning about God and having fellowship with your spiritual family at Sunday service is important and should always be an item-to-do on your weekly priority list.
In Jeremiah 15, we see the Lord continuing to be firm on His judgment. There is even the mention of the Lord saying this, “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people.” Jeremiah, however, receives a promise for himself i.e. the Lord will save Jeremiah from the hands of the wicked and redeem him from the grasp of the cruel despite of His judgment on the people of this land.
In Jeremiah 16, the Lord tells Jeremiah not to marry or have children, not to mourn or show sympathy at the houses where funerals are being held because the people born in this land will die of deadly diseases and because the Lord has withdrawn His blessing, love and pity from the people.
The gist of Jeremiah 17 seems to be in these verses - “Cursed in the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (v5) "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (v7-8)
Let’s just take a moment to ponder upon some questions: -
• Are there any “drought conditions” that you may be facing today?
• Do you find it easier to trust someone or something else besides God to see you through these “drought conditions”?
Respond to the Lord in prayer and surrender these “drought conditions” to Him. Renew your trust in the Lord and ask that His “living water” refresh you. Pray for yourself that you will be that tree that does not fear heat, whose leaves are forever green. Because only then, you need not have to worry, for you will know that despite any seasonal changes, be it drought or famine, you will continue to grow, prosper and be fruitful in your due season. (also read Psalm 1:1-3)
And finally, do remember and note that it is important to keep the Sabbath day holy by not doing any work on it i.e. also to say that praising, worshiping, learning about God and having fellowship with your spiritual family at Sunday service is important and should always be an item-to-do on your weekly priority list.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Jeremiah 10 - 13 (10th August) - Sylvia
Jeremiah 10
God and Idols
"Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel
They adorn it with silver and gold: they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good." v2-7
God's word is so clear - not to look to false idols and worship them, even being superstitious to the point of seeing things in the sky and taking them to be signs?
How many of us often read those astronomy and horoscopes, that will predict how our day/week/month will be like?
God says not to believe in these kind of false idols. They are after all MAN-made, they can neither speak nor move. Let's not wait until we bear the brunt of God's wrath before regretting and repenting.
Jeremiah's Prayer
We have heard of Jabez prayer where its about blessings for ourselves.
"Oh Lord, .... bless me, enlarge my territory, ... Your hand be over me.. keep me from harm"
Jeremiah's Prayer is a tad different. Its more like a prayer of repentance, also pleading with God to punish the people and nations who have turned away from Him.
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice - not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing. Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have devoured him completely and destroyed his homeland." v23-25
Jeremiah 11
The Covenant is Broken
Any covenant that we make with God is very serious. Its a promise we make in God's holy presence. We should never break any promises that we make with Him.
See what the Lord says to the people who break their covenant with Him,
"Cursed is the man who does not obey the terms of the covenant - the terms I commanded your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey - the land that you possess today."
To be cursed by His Highest Himself is such a disaster, so scary. I wouldn't want that to happen to me or my loved ones.
Jeremiah 12
Jeremiah's Complaint / God's Answer
Jeremiah complains to God about to why the wicked prosper and seem to live comfortably, even as they do not have God in thier hearts.
God then replies if jeremiah competes with people of same or lowers standard then he is, if he remains in a comfortable position, how will he be able to handle and manage the deceitful and tough challenges that will come his way.
The hardships that we go through are God's way of moulding us, for more challenges that will come our way, so that we will be tough and ready for battle!
Jeremiah 13
A Linen Belt
Our God is so amazing. He can use a simple item like a linen belt to show His plans.
A new linen belt is clean and untouched by impurities. However, when it gets exposed to the dirty elements in a filthy environment, it becomes ruined and useless.
Same how it applies to us, we become worthless and completely useless when we do not walk in God's ways and instead turn to worship other gods.
God and Idols
"Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel
They adorn it with silver and gold: they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good." v2-7
God's word is so clear - not to look to false idols and worship them, even being superstitious to the point of seeing things in the sky and taking them to be signs?
How many of us often read those astronomy and horoscopes, that will predict how our day/week/month will be like?
God says not to believe in these kind of false idols. They are after all MAN-made, they can neither speak nor move. Let's not wait until we bear the brunt of God's wrath before regretting and repenting.
Jeremiah's Prayer
We have heard of Jabez prayer where its about blessings for ourselves.
"Oh Lord, .... bless me, enlarge my territory, ... Your hand be over me.. keep me from harm"
Jeremiah's Prayer is a tad different. Its more like a prayer of repentance, also pleading with God to punish the people and nations who have turned away from Him.
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice - not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing. Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the peoples who do not call on your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have devoured him completely and destroyed his homeland." v23-25
Jeremiah 11
The Covenant is Broken
Any covenant that we make with God is very serious. Its a promise we make in God's holy presence. We should never break any promises that we make with Him.
See what the Lord says to the people who break their covenant with Him,
"Cursed is the man who does not obey the terms of the covenant - the terms I commanded your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey - the land that you possess today."
To be cursed by His Highest Himself is such a disaster, so scary. I wouldn't want that to happen to me or my loved ones.
Jeremiah 12
Jeremiah's Complaint / God's Answer
Jeremiah complains to God about to why the wicked prosper and seem to live comfortably, even as they do not have God in thier hearts.
God then replies if jeremiah competes with people of same or lowers standard then he is, if he remains in a comfortable position, how will he be able to handle and manage the deceitful and tough challenges that will come his way.
The hardships that we go through are God's way of moulding us, for more challenges that will come our way, so that we will be tough and ready for battle!
Jeremiah 13
A Linen Belt
Our God is so amazing. He can use a simple item like a linen belt to show His plans.
A new linen belt is clean and untouched by impurities. However, when it gets exposed to the dirty elements in a filthy environment, it becomes ruined and useless.
Same how it applies to us, we become worthless and completely useless when we do not walk in God's ways and instead turn to worship other gods.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Jeremiah 7 - 9 (9th August) - Li Juan
False Religion Worthless
Worshipping false gods does not only mean “religion other Christianity”. One can claim to believe in Christ, yet still go after things of the world; such as believing in self, doing things by our own judgment and basing on intuition rather than being sensitive to the spirit, materialism, fame, power etc. “Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.” ( Jer 7:23)
The Valley of Slaughter / Sin and Punishment
There will come a day whereby all who sin will be punished accordingly. Those who refused to return from their wayward paths, those who do not repent of their wickedness, those who followed their own stubborn hearts. God will punish and destroy them. At times when you sin you might think “no one knows”, but God sees all that you are doing (both good and bad) and knows your every thought and desire of your heart. If there is anything you are guilty of, repent and ask God for forgiveness now, before its too late.
Worshipping false gods does not only mean “religion other Christianity”. One can claim to believe in Christ, yet still go after things of the world; such as believing in self, doing things by our own judgment and basing on intuition rather than being sensitive to the spirit, materialism, fame, power etc. “Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.” ( Jer 7:23)
The Valley of Slaughter / Sin and Punishment
There will come a day whereby all who sin will be punished accordingly. Those who refused to return from their wayward paths, those who do not repent of their wickedness, those who followed their own stubborn hearts. God will punish and destroy them. At times when you sin you might think “no one knows”, but God sees all that you are doing (both good and bad) and knows your every thought and desire of your heart. If there is anything you are guilty of, repent and ask God for forgiveness now, before its too late.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Jeremiah 4 - 6 (8th August) - Sylvia
Jeremiah 4
God is calling the people of Judah and Jerusalem to come back to Him, for those who have strayed, for those who worshipped false gods. He warns of the punishments that will befall the people, how their towns will be destroyed and the people will cry out but He won't hear their cries.
Jeremiah 5
Not a single person in Jerusalem is right in the eyes of the Lord. Even as God provided for all thier needs, they took advantage of His love and sinned, visiting prostitues, lusting after each other's wives. They even have the nerve to speak against God.
God warns that even as He destroys, He wont't destroy it completely, instead allowing His people to have to serve foreigners in another land. Its like a kind of torture. Imagine, someone just keeps torturing you, slowly causing pain at a time, but not going all the way to kill you.
Jeremiah 6
This is the time when Jerusalem starts to be under attack. God warns of an army coming from the north, where they are cruel and show no mercy for anyone. They will attack the people of Jerusalem till they cry out for mercy, but God will not hear their voices.
v30 "They are called rejected silver, because the Lord has rejected them"
It breaks God's heart when we do evil, when we sin. Imagine, why would God want to destroy the own things that He has painstakingly and thoughtfully created. The earth, the heavens and the skies, and us. Simply because when we sin, all that he has created goes to nought.
When we refuse to come back, when we are stubborn and want to continue in our ways.
Isn't it scary to read how God who sent Jesus to die for us who also allow us to suffer and be tortured, rejecting us because we pushed the limits and backslided time after time, refusing to heed His words?
Lesson for all to learn:
Don't push God's limits, don't test Him no matter how merciful our God is.
God is calling the people of Judah and Jerusalem to come back to Him, for those who have strayed, for those who worshipped false gods. He warns of the punishments that will befall the people, how their towns will be destroyed and the people will cry out but He won't hear their cries.
Jeremiah 5
Not a single person in Jerusalem is right in the eyes of the Lord. Even as God provided for all thier needs, they took advantage of His love and sinned, visiting prostitues, lusting after each other's wives. They even have the nerve to speak against God.
God warns that even as He destroys, He wont't destroy it completely, instead allowing His people to have to serve foreigners in another land. Its like a kind of torture. Imagine, someone just keeps torturing you, slowly causing pain at a time, but not going all the way to kill you.
Jeremiah 6
This is the time when Jerusalem starts to be under attack. God warns of an army coming from the north, where they are cruel and show no mercy for anyone. They will attack the people of Jerusalem till they cry out for mercy, but God will not hear their voices.
v30 "They are called rejected silver, because the Lord has rejected them"
It breaks God's heart when we do evil, when we sin. Imagine, why would God want to destroy the own things that He has painstakingly and thoughtfully created. The earth, the heavens and the skies, and us. Simply because when we sin, all that he has created goes to nought.
When we refuse to come back, when we are stubborn and want to continue in our ways.
Isn't it scary to read how God who sent Jesus to die for us who also allow us to suffer and be tortured, rejecting us because we pushed the limits and backslided time after time, refusing to heed His words?
Lesson for all to learn:
Don't push God's limits, don't test Him no matter how merciful our God is.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Jeremiah 1-3 (7th August) – Crystal
God choose Jeremiah to be the pivot to transform God’s people in Jerusalem. He called to Jeremiah and affirms him of His choice. Verse 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Claim this verse for yourself. God has chosen you to be where you are now. He knew you before you were called to the earth and he set us apart for His kingdom. If you have ever doubted your existence, turn to God now and ask him for his affirmation and signs. Persevere and He will answer your prayers.
Jeremiah too doubted his ability that he was the chosen one to bring a breakthrough in the lives of others because he was young; God gave him an injection of faith and courage. Verse 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. God is telling you now that He is with you and do not be afraid of the giants in your life. God has already torn them down, take the step of faith and walk in obedience.
Jeremiah 2
The word of the Lord came upon Jeremiah. He commanded Jeremiah to proclaim His words to Jerusalem. It was a long “letter’ to His people. In His words, God mention that He remembers the devotion of Israel when she gave herself to love God and God only. After which, He point out the different areas that Israel had sinned against God esp in the area of worshipping idols. God was really disappointed and angry. Our God is a jealous God. He will not allow us to compromise in His commands. Sometimes we tend to bargain or play with God’s rules and feels that it’s okay. But remember, our God is a Holy and perfect God. He will not allow anything that fall short of His standards. Is there anything that you have compromise or have allowed open doors for sins to come in?
God remembers our good, He too remembers the sins we have done. However, He gave Israel a second chance, so will He give it to you if you turn 180 degrees around and look 45 degree to Him. Jesus has already taken all upon Himself. What have you got to lose giving your life to Him? What more when He is the one who created you. Not part of your life/heart, but He wants the whole of it.
Jeremiah 3
God used the illustration of the relationship of a husband and wife to describe Israel and Him. God as the husband gave Himself to love Israel, yet Israel became unfaithful and sinned against God. With an unfailing love for His wife, God gave them many chances to repent and He longed to see Israel return to Him. As I read this chapter I thank God for His love for me just like Israel. I was a backslider, but I can always feel His love and presence during this period of unfaithfulness. God loves you and the backsliders around you too. Take courage and be that light that God can use to guide them back to God. I experienced this myself, my good friend was a fervent Christian and God used her to bring me back. You can be that light.
As God mention the sins of Israel, God brought in Judah too. God was even angrier with Judah because Judah saw God’s work with Israel and yet did not repent but follow her footsteps. When you choose to sin, not only it will affect your own life but will also stumble people around you especially your own brothers and sisters. Do a self check, is there anything that you have done that is against your good conscience? Things that might stumble your spiritual family members and caused them to sin? Be a good testimony today.
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