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.

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. =)

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jeremiah 1-3 (7th August) – Crystal

Jeremiah 1

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.

Zephaniah 1 - 3 (6th August) - Weiling

Theme and Message
The intent of the author was to announce to Judah God’s approaching judgment. His main theme was the coming of the day of the Lord, when God would severely punish the nations. He portrays the stark horror of that ordeal, but also makes it clear that God will yet be merciful towards His people.

God’s judgment would come upon those who worship idols; those who turned back from following the Lord; those who did not seek Him (1: 5, 6); those who commit acts of violence and deceit (1: 9); and those who are “stagnant in spirit” (1: 12).

We need to check if we are growing in our walk with God. If we are not growing and progressing, then we may have become lukewarm or complacent; thinking that we are still okay when we are not. We may feel that God is faraway or indifferent and will not act (“…who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not go good or evil!’”). We may begin to lose the fear of God.

God had sent many people to Judah calling for repentance, but the words fell on deaf words. Judah was ripe for judgment. Zeph 1 – 3: 8 depict the Day of the Lord, His judgment, coming on Judah and the nations. Zephaniah’s advice (2: 3) was for the people to humble themselves and seek God.

Indeed, God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. In Zeph 3: 11-12, God says that He will “… remove… proud, exulting ones, and you will never again be haughty” but that He will leave a remnant that is humble and they will find refuge in the name of the Lord. God will be like a victorious warrior, exulting over His people with joy, rejoicing over them with shouts of joy.

2 Kings 22 - 23, 2 Chronicles 34 - 35 (5th August) - Benjamin

From these few chapters, we see Josiah’s faithfulness with the Lord. This is especially so when the Book of the Law is found as we see in 2 Ki 22-8 and 2 Chr 34-14. He was quick to response and take remedial actions. The Lord honored his faithfulness as can be seen in 2 Ki 22-19-20 and 2 Chr 24:27-28.

A learning point for us here is that, when man or woman of God conveys God’s message to you, what’s your response? Do you recognize it and take immediate steps to redeem yourself? Or do you say yes but leave the matter to grow mouldy? Worse still, you just choose to ignore the message and try to argue your way out of it with your so-called reasons. I guess at the end of the day, it depends on how you want God to honor you in your actions and words.

Josiah took all the necessary actions to remove all forms of idolatry in the land he rules and things that are not holy and righteous in the eyes of the Lord. He even restored the celebration of the Passover which has not been practiced for a long time since.

Are there areas of your life that you need some detergent to wipe clean? Don’t delay the necessary actions that you have to take to get right with God. Also, in your walk with God, are there any areas that need restoration? Perhaps your daily quiet time that you have been neglecting, or your monthly tithing, or maybe your fellowship with your family in Christ? Take time to reflect upon all these and come before the Lord to ask for forgiveness.

Nahum 1 - 3 (4th August) - Junming

The city of Nineveh shouldn't be unfamiliar to most of us. It was the city that Jonah went to via a very unusual route. Boat, stomach of a big fish, the big fish's vomit, and finally by foot. He could have skipped the first 3 modes of transport if he had opted to obey God, when he first called. But God gave him a second chance, and he made good and brought Nineveh to repent and reconcile to God, and God's wrath against the powerful city subsided.

About a 100 years on, Nineveh(which is the capital of Assyria by the way) had gone back to their sinful ways. They have become(or maybe they always were) a powerful city, and their soldiers are extremely brutal(Nah 3:1-4). The NIV version of the book actually ends with the 3 words, ''your endless cruelty''. Thus, we can imagine that the surrounding nations must be absolutely terrified of Assyria.

Imagine bringing the gospel to Iraq now. Many of us would buy a plane ticket to USA. I imagine God would then have to send a big bird when you're thrown out of the plane. Not Nahum. At least the bible didn't record that he ran away. This man of huge faith wrote about the destruction of the great city of Nineveh. Although nothing is written about him bringing the letter into that city, he obviously addressed the bulk of the letter to the Assyrians. What are the risks involved? Would we do the same if God called us to?

Nahum 1
The first half of the chapter talks about God's kindness while the second half talks about his sterness. Perhaps verse 3 would be a good summary verse for this chapter and even the book.

''The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.''

Thanks be to Daddy for his patience with us! But if he leaves us unpunished, will we ever learn? If he leaves us unpunished, will we become good testimonies and shining lights for the lost? He loves us, and he punishes because of his love and his anger against sin.

Another verse that stuck out was verse 7,

''The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.''

Do we feel that our circumstances are beyond us? Trust in God. He is the one who permitted the devil to put these circumstances into our lives! Those who are in difficulties now, may it be strained relationships, stressful workload, financial problems, health problems etc.. God cares. Trust in Him.

God gave me another perspective to this verse too. ''A refuge in times of trouble.'' In times of victory and joy? Do we still remember that the LORD is good? God once gave me a revelation when i took a bus. How many of us actually talk to the bus drivers who send us to and from school and work each day? Perhaps only when encounter difficulties. Our ez-link card runs out of money, the machine is spoilt, etc..

''Uncle, how much?''
''Uncle, machine spoil.''

Do we ever say things like,
''Uncle, good morning!''
''Uncle, have a great day today!''

Seek God always. In times of trouble and tears, pray. In times of jubilee and celebration, remember God and give thanks.

Nahum 2
This chapter talks about how God would proceed to bring about the downfall of the great capital city of Assyria. Swap the word Nineveh with your own name. Imagine the terror. Let's repent and walk right with God, today.

Nahum 3
Verses 1-4 talks about the sins of Nineveh, while the remaining verses talks about Nineveh's end, never to be rebuilt again.

Nah 1:3
''The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.''

Let's not take God's grace for granted=)

2 Chronicles 32 - 33 (3rd August) - Xiao Woon

2 Chronicles 32

King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah. King Hezekiah encouraged the people when he realized that King Sennacherib intended to attack Jerusalem too. King Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem and said that their God will not rescue them. Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven and the Lord sent an angel and destroyed the Assyrian army and King Sennacherib was also killed.
There was peace throughout the land and King Hezekiah became highly respected.
King Hezekiah became deathly ill and when God healed him, he did not respond to the kindness shown him and became proud. However when he repented, God’s anger did not fall on him and the people.

King Sennacherib is like satan. Just when we are encouraged, he comes in to destroy our positive thoughts by saying stuff to destroy our faith and trust in the Lord. Let us be careful not to fall into the devil’s trap and to constantly encourage and renew ourselves with the Holy Spirit=)

Also, see that whenever we repent, God never fails to forgive. However, God knows our heart and knows whether we are sincere in repenting of our ways.

2 Chronicles 33

Hezekiah’s son Manasseh became king when Hezekiah died and he did evil in the Lord’s sight. Manasseh ignored God’s warnings so God made him prisoner.

12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!

It is never too late to seek God and to repent of our ways. When Manasseh prayed, God listened to him and was moved by his request. God loves us very much and will listen to us. No matter how much wrong we have done, He is ALWAYS ready to forgive and His love for us never changes. God listens carefully to each and every one of our prayer requests and is moved and things happen in the spiritual realm. So pray and believe=)

2 Kings 20 - 21 (2nd August) - Sky

2 Kings 20

In this chapter we experience a miracle, Hezekiah a godly king is about to face death. He wept bitterly and prayed. Was he afraid of death? No, Israelites considered a long life to be a sign of God’s favor. Death in mid-life was therefore thought to show God’s judgment. Hezekiah seemed to hint at this view when he prayed, reminding God of how he had faithfully served HIM all his life. It wasn’t the idea of death that Hezekiah struggled with, but with the thought of being judged after a life of devotion to God’s service.

Hezekiah would not have been healed unless first he had prayed. Prayers moved God’s hand to intervene, in this case was Hezekiah’s illness

After being healed, Hezekiah showed the Babylons everything that he had. Both politics and pride may have motivated this display to impress his potential ally.

2 Kings 21

In this chapter u see the backsliding of the Kings and nation once again.

Manasseh succeeded his father Hezekiah as king, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He worshipped and brought idols to the Lord’s temple which brought disaster to Jerusalem.

Amon succeeded his father Manasseh as king, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He worshipped idols and brought upon his own death.

As u see the cycles of sin repeated in the ages, but that cycle still exists in our lives in and every one of us. Its how we choose to break out from it that separates us and the kings of past.

Isaiah 64 - 66 (1st August) - Kelvin

Isaiah 64 -66

The chapters cover God's response to the people.

During this time, the Word of God, as proclaimed by Isaiah, had been ignored and now God spoke through him these pitiful words:

"I have spread out My hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts" (Isaiah 65:2).

Although God had reached out to them, they had not responded to Him. They had gone their own ways.

The Lord continued: "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears (dread, terrors) upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not" (66:4).

God also mention something to the small minority who remained faithful then, as well as to the minority of faithful today that He will bless and ensure that peace will flow to you like a river.(Isaiah 66:5-12)

Thus, people, God is a God who has always been present throughout the centuries and we may not be born to see the past but in our modern world today, God is still present! Remain in Him and He will remain in you.

Isaiah 59 - 63 (31st July) - Weiling

Isaiah 59
On Unanswered Prayers

It was like darkness all around even as you sought to look for light. You try to find a way out but there is none in sight. You are so frustrated and irritated you growl like a bear and snap at people around you. You feel so low and depressed that you moan and weep. You wonder where salvation and justice is.

Perhaps you remember a time when you felt that or perhaps you are going through a time like this now. When you pray to God and it feels as if He does not hear or maybe the circumstances seem so impossible that you feel that there can’t be a miracle; that God can’t help. While God sometimes wants to teach us to wait and persevere and sometimes trust Him for a better answer than what we are seeking; it is good to also reflect on our lives and to ask God if there is iniquity/ unconfessed sin in our lives.

For we see in v2 that our iniquities will create a wedge between us and God and hide His face from us so that He does not hear. In 1 Peter 3:12 it says, “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” And also in Ps 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear”.

All acts of rebellion and disobedience to God are considered sin. Sins of “commission,” are those overt acts which are done in disobedience. However, sins of “omission,” are those things we don’t do in obedience, but know we should (James 4:17). The remedy for all sin is to confess it to God, forsake it, and ask Him to forgive you (1 John 1:9).

But ultimately God’s character is one of a champion of justice who sees it as “displeasing” when there is no justice. He will come as a Redeemer to Zion “and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob...”

Isaiah 60
Of Hope and Light – A Rebuilt Nation

Chapter 59 spoke of the groaning of Judah when they looked for light but all is darkness and they groped around like the blind, not seeing. But what hope there is now! Chapter 60 begins with the Lord calling to His people “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” “…the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you”. Such hope, such a picture of God’s glory this chapter paints. And God does this so that “nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn” and that His name will be glorified. The nations around Judah know that people of Judah are the people of the God of Jacob. And God’s name is glorified when the city is glorified.

However, God often had to discipline Judah because they were unfaithful to Him. But a day is coming when it will not be the sun and moon that brings light “…for the Lord will be your everlasting light and your God will be your glory… and your days of sorrow will end”.

Isaiah 61
Of the Lord’s Favour – Rebuilt People

It is heartening to know that God’s heart is tender towards the poor, the brokenhearted and the people in bondage that He wants to comfort them and turn their mourning into praising. It is also awesome to know that God wants to use us as part of His rescue plan to proclaim that this is the year of the Lord’s favour! to them, so that they can trade their ashes and brokenness into a crown of beauty.

Isaiah 62
Of a New Name – Renewed Fellowship

What is in a name? When our parents named us, the name carried with it our parents’ hopes and aspirations for us. We may also have earned nick-names along the way because of our characteristics. For example, your family may affectionately call you “pig” because you were chubby growing up. Our names may also be representative of our past.

Jabez was named thus because of the past pain his mother suffered while bearing him. All in all, names are special because they are associated with us and are representative of us. And while none of us would name ourselves “Lonely”, “Forsaken”, “Failure” or “Stupid”, some of these words are what we have began to associate ourselves with because we feel this way so often.

We brand ourselves with these “names” and sometimes it feels like we’ll always be this way. “How can things change?” “How can I change?” But today the Lord is telling you that you are not forsaken that He is seeking you out and he will change your name; to give you a hope and a future, to let you know His hopes and aspirations for you, to let you know that you are beautiful and so very precious. After all, we usually only name things that are precious to us.

When God gave me my baptism name Amanda (meaning worthy of love or beloved), it was to tell me that He will always love me. Even when I’m hungry or thirsty, my name remains. Even when I’m smelly or dirty, my name remains. And so God’s love for us will remain, always unchanging.

I Will Change Your Name

I will change your name
You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid
I will change your name
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness
Overcoming one
Faithfulness friend of God
One who seeks My face
Confidence, joyfulness
Overcoming one
Faithfulness friend of God
One who seeks My face

Isaiah 63
Of God’s Day of Vengeance AND Redemption

The theme and message of Isaiah is the full dimension of God’s judgment and salvation. The awful judgment to be unleashed on Israel and all who defy God is called “the day of the Lord”. The Lord’s kingdom on earth, with its righteous Ruler and his righteous subjects, is the goal toward which the book of Isaiah steadily moves. The restored earth and the restored people will then conform to the divine ideal, and all will result in the praise and glory of the Holy One of Israel.

Just as we know God is compassionate, let us not forget that God is also a holy and just God. He will mete our vengeance and redemption, judgment and salvation. In Chapter 63 from verse 7 onwards, we see the people of Judah recounting God’s mercies, a God who too was distressed when they were distressed, who lifted them up and carried them all the days of old (v.9). We see the people of Judah crying out to God to remember how He used to lead them and to return once again, after they “rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit”. Let us not grieve the Holy Spirit, a God who would let Himself feel what we feel.

Isaiah 54 - 58 (30th July) - Sylvia

The Future Glory of Zion

7 "For a brief moment I abandoned you,
but with deep compassion I will bring you back.

8 In a surge of anger
I hid my face from you for a moment,
but with everlasting kindness
I will have compassion on you,"
says the LORD your Redeemer.

9 "To me this is like the days of Noah,
when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth.
So now I have sworn not to be angry with you,
never to rebuke you again.

10 Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

God wants to bless those of us who have not been fruitful in our ministry, in the places where we serve, even in our personal lives. As He had promised, He will bless us with more then we ever had, with more then what we have expected.

17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,"
declares the LORD.

I like this verse. Its like there is a shield of protection over us. We shall overcome! =)

Invitation to the Thirsty

1 "Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.

Wah FOC!! i am sure this appeals to us typical Singaporeans. we like free things. Furthermore, the King of all kings has invited us to eat and drink from Him!

This is an invitation, not a command nor a order. Be Honoured that Almighty God actually extends us an invitation to seek Him and rest in Him!

6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

As long as we are willing, we can turn our hearts back to God and He is always willing to take us back into His loving arms.

Salvation for Others
1 This is what the LORD says:
"Maintain justice
and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand
and my righteousness will soon be revealed.

2 Blessed is the man who does this,
the man who holds it fast,
who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps his hand from doing any evil."

If we want our loved ones to receive Salvation and believe in Christ, we ourselves need to be an example. If not how will others whom we are closest to believe? As we obeys the Lord's commands, we will be blessed richly!

God's Accusation Against the Wicked

10 Israel's watchmen are blind,
they all lack knowledge;
they are all mute dogs,
they cannot bark;
they lie around and dream,
they love to sleep.

11 They are dogs with mighty appetites;
they never have enough.
They are shepherds who lack understanding;
they all turn to their own way,
each seeks his own gain.

Let's pray that God will always bless the watchmen of our city with wisdom and that they will do what's right.

For our pastors, they will lead us into victory and guide us with wisdom, living a holy life.

For our government, they will not make rash decisions and think for themselves, rather in all they do, it will be for our country's good.

Comfort for the Contrite

18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him;
I will guide him and restore comfort to him,

19 creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,"
says the LORD. "And I will heal them."

Repent and we will be healed once again, no stress, peace reigns, God is in us!

20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
which cannot rest,
whose waves cast up mire and mud.

21 "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."

Woe to the wicked. They will always worry about everything.

True Fasting

Fasting is supposed to be a time where we don't think of anything else but seek God for decisions or His purposes for us.

How to fast if we are bothered by our wordly issues and unable to concentrate on God?

Our fast is also considered broken if we quarrels, have spite in our hearts and continue sinning.

13 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the LORD's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,

14 then you will find your joy in the LORD,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Need I say more?

Isaiah 49 - 53 (29th July) - Vivien

Isaiah 49
From verse 1 to 7, Isaiah declared himself as the servant of God, and looking at every word that he used, he was very sure of his status and worth in God’s eyes. When we know our position and how much we are worth, we can stand in confidence in whatever we do and there is power. Be sure of who you are in God’s eyes. Every word and action of affirmation, treat it with value and do be overly humbled to the extent where you reject your worth. Well of course, beware of crossing the line to idolizing yourself!

“And now the LORD says—
he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
to bring Jacob back to him
and gather Israel to himself,
for I am honoured in the eyes of the LORD
and my God has been my strength…” Isa 49:5

From verse 8 to 26, it tells us how much God values Israel (His children, which includes us). Even though we may be naughty sometimes or running away from God, God never gives us up, never forgets us. He will still be there for us, as long as we take the step of repentance and go back to Him.

“‘Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.
Your sons hasten back,
and those who laid you waste depart from you.
Lift up your eyes and look around;
all your sons gather and come to you.
As surely as I live,’ declares the LORD,” Isa 49:15 –18a

Be restored! You are precious to God!

Isaiah 50
Reading the Message version, the heading says it all - Who Out There Fears God?
This is a problem that we face, as we become long-time Christians. Been through many things, our persevering faith die down, and decided to go our own way. Beware! Life is not easy; need not say for Christian living. But fearing God remains an important attitude that we must have. For if we feel lost, this is still hope, because we can rely on God and trust Him. However if we are out to be rebellious, then God will make sure we get what we deserve.

Isaiah 51 – 52: 12
Be righteous, and God will bless. There is no need to fear man.

“Hear me, you who know what is right,
you people who have my law in your hearts:
Do not fear the reproach of men
or be terrified by their insults.” Isa 51:7

To those who were afflicted with the wrath of God, He removed the cup of wrath from them. Like a father, He disciplines because He loves. And He protects. Hmm… can apply this to TYA =). When a kid does something wrong, they need to be disciplined. However when other kids attempt to make fun of this kid, we need to protect that kid’s dignity. And those kids ought to be taught a lesson.

“This is what your Sovereign LORD says,
your God, who defends his people:
"See, I have taken out of your hand
the cup that made you stagger;
from that cup, the goblet of my wrath,
you will never drink again.” Isa 51:22

Which kid are you?

Going through a learning lesson? Persevere and practice self-control. They may be people who just have enjoyed rubbing it in, but if you can overcome, you will bring yourself to a new level.

“Awake, awake, O Zion,
clothe yourself with strength.
Put on your garments of splendor,
O Jerusalem, the holy city.
The uncircumcised and defiled
will not enter you again.
Shake off your dust;
rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem.
Free yourself from the chains on your neck,
O captive Daughter of Zion.” Isa 52:1-2

Are you rubbing into others’ moment of punishment? Stop it! If not you are next in line to be disciplined. Remember that our God is fair and just.

Isaiah 52:13 – 53
The most touching prophecy about Jesus. The most incredible act of a man’s love. As you read this passage, take a moment now to just pause and thank Him for the sacrifices that He has made for us, so that we might be saved…

“Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.” Isa 53:4-5

Yesterday, I had a discussion with a 9-year-old. As I described to him that nails were driven into the hands and feet of Jesus, he could imagine the pain already. I haven’t even gone into any details about it. Even as we have celebrated so many Good Fridays, let our hearts not be numbed towards what Jesus had done for us – the love that we so often take for granted. But always be in the attitude of thanksgiving!

2 Kings 18:9 - 19:37, Psalms 46, 80, 135 (28th July) - Sylvia

2 Kings 18:9 - 19:37

Samaria got captured by the Assyrians. Israel got deported to Assyria. All these happened because the people did not obey God's commands and even broke thier covenant with Him. It is deadly to break a binding promise that we make with the Lord!

Sennacherib (The king of Assyria) blasphemes. He is like "Satan's voice". He falsifies the Lord's name declaring that "The Lord himself told me to marh against this country and destroy it" He even discouraged the people telling them not to listen to Hezekiah (King of Judah) when he said that "The Lord will deliver us".

Thank God the people didn't waste their time and effort talking back and did as thier king commanded - to remain silent.

How often have we listened to the devil's voice and allowed it to turn us away from God?
Let's learn to Tune in to God's voice!

The Lord was soon to punish Sennacherib as He predicted his death - cut down by a sword in his own country, and God also told of Jerusalem's deliverance through Hezekiah's faithfulness and prayers.

Because Sennacherib spoke against God and insulted Him, he would be punished as per v21-28 in 2 kings 19. eventually, he got killed by his two sons as God had decreed.

As fr Hezekiah, God blessed his leadership and blessed him that he would bear fruit and promised him that He would defend and protect Jerusalem.

Psalms 46

The psalmist wrote of this psalm praising God for His goodness, for providing refuge and strength to those who are in need. It is a reassurance that we need not fear the darkest of dark, the strong winds and raging seas nor the shaky mountains because Emmanuel is always with us.

Psalms 80

This psalm is a cry for help, a cry of repentance for restoration from God.

I believe that we can find restoration and healing from God as long as we are willing to repent, to turn our hearts back to Him.

Psalms 135

The psalmist has chosen to fill this whole psalm with praises and exaltations to God.
it sings about 'the Lord's goodness and greatness, His wonder and mighty works. The idols/false gods cant compare at all to God.

Praise the Lord!

Isaiah 44 - 48 (27th July) - Crystal

Isaiah 44

The major portion of this chapter speaks clearly about the idols that human create from our hands, our mind and bodies. We have misuse God given creativity to create idols. Isaiah describe the people as blind without understanding, deceived by themselves and choose to trust and bow down to the creation of their hands. How foolish it is.

In Singapore and most parts of Asia, it is not uncommon to see people worshiping idols in temples or on the streets. It has turn into a business and becoming a heritage for most countries. These "advertisings" has promote the worship of false gods and evolution of being unique and special. Let's us pray that God presence will come upon this city and countries that are of such. Pray earnestly that God will break the strongholds and His light to shine. As we walk on the streets or when we see people worshiping idols, proclaim God's glory and rebuke the works of the evil.

Isaiah 45

God repeatedly told Israel that He is God and there is no other. Only God bring prosperity, God bring disasters. Here's something that speaks of God's love " 5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me" God will not leave, He will continue to love and give you strength to continue even in times when you do not feel God or acknowledge Him. Apart from Him non can be saved. Pray for people around you, the people you see who are turning to gods who are just humans creation. Be the one that stand for your generation.

Isaiah 46 and 47

God once again mention about Him being the one and only God that we should turn to, even until the time when we grow old. 46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you.I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isn't our God a great God? First he created us, Psa 139:14 then He promised us that He will be there even when we have grey hairs. No other can give us this assurance except him. Hey, have you been fulfilling as a Christian? In life, He gave you His best. Will you give Him your best and your time too?

Are you depending on God's wisdom and God-given knowledge today in everything you do? Our God is one who understands and the best consultant for all things. What can be better than to ask Him for guidance. In chapter 47 it mention about stargazers and astrologers. Have you once trusted the horoscope so much that it became a habit to read your daily horoscope. Our life is not destine by these but God's plan and purpose. Whenever I watched Taiwan variety shows, they always talks about horoscope and how it affects one's life. Pray for deliverance and the people who are trusting the wrong things to be set free.

Isaiah 48

Israel has always been God's precious. He knew Israel inside out. Therefore he gave them warnings about the idols that will stumble them. However Israel choose to be deaf towards God. Are you that Israel? Have you avoid His warnings about harm and sins? Pray for an open heart and ears to hear His voice.

If your family are still worshiping idols. Pray for a revival today. Ask God for wisdom to break the strongholds at home. For the battle is not against flesh and blood. God can do a miracle for you today.

Isaiah 40 - 43 (26th July) - Li Juan

Isaiah 40 – Comfort for God’s people
No man’s glory can be compared to the glory of God. All things will fade and pass away, yet the word of our God stands forever. So what shall we do? Read the Bible conscientiously, memorize scripture verses, pray these words and meditate on them! Our God is an everlasting God!



One of my favourite verses: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 41 – The Helper of Israel
God has chosen each and everyone of us and we are all special in His eyes.
An encouragement to all who have any fear in their lives: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God will answer all who cry out to him. Do not go after the worthless idols, God is the only one who can quench your thirst.

Isaiah 42 – The Servant of the Lord / Song of Praise to the Lord / Israel Blind and Deaf
“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand, I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from dungeons those who sit in darkness.”

Let us be the one who God uses. God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible, what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves. Trust Him for the impossible! And all will praise our God when they see the many miracles! Open up your eyes to see the many wonders, open up your ears to hear the goodness of God. Do not be blinded and deaf anymore.

Isaiah 43 – Israel’s Only Savior / God’s mercy and Israel’s unfaithfulness
There is no other way to eternal life other than through Jesus Christ. God sees us more precious than any gems, even His son, He was willing to sacrifice to redeem us. No god was formed before our God, and none after too. He gives us a new beginning. Be thankful for the hope we can have.

Isaiah 37 - 39, Psalm 76 (25th July) - Ivy

Isaiah 37

Verse12-13 “Did the gods of the nations that were destroyed by my forefathers deliver them—the gods of Gozan, Haran, Rezeph and the people of Eden who were in Tel Assar? Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, or of Hena or Ivvah?"

What a statement of faith! It’s a statement spoken with such boldness and confidence!

After Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, Isaiah brought God’s message against Sennacherib king of Assyria go Hezekiah. The Lord ended His message with ‘I will defend this city (Israel) and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!’

Don’t you think we have such a faithful God? Aren’t our God a promise-keeper?

Verse 36-37 ‘Then the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.’

Can you imagine how king of Assyria felt when he woke and his man just died? Just verse just affirmed the fact that our God fight for His faithful ones. Note that Jonah went to Ninevah later.

Isaiah 38

From this chapter, we can see that Hezekiah had a close relationship with God. Hezekiah is also a man of faith. He refuse to accept Isaiah’s prophesy over him that he will not recover. Instead, he went faced the wall (mian bi si guo?) and pray to God. What a man of faith! God probably saw his faith and granted him another 15 years! What a beautiful song of praise Hezekiah sang to God!

Isaiah 39

After Hezekiah’s recovery, Merodach-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon went to see Hezekiah with gifts and well wishes. Why did Hezekiah showed EVERYTHING to him?? Why did Hezekiah showed him the all the treasures including what his fore fathers left for him? I felt that probably pride got into the way!

After Isaiah reaveled God’s word to him, Hezekiah said "The word of the LORD you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "There will be peace and security in my lifetime." Hezekiah may have gotten conceited and thinks that God is always on his side. Yes, God is always with us and always faithful. However if we sin against Him, there are consequences to face. The consequence of showing the treasures of his fore fathers to the foreigners is destruction to Hezekiah’s kingdom.


Psalm 76
Can anyone enlighten me why suddenly jump to Psalms?

The only thing I can relate is this verse 5

‘Valiant men lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift his hands.’

Just like what happened in Isaiah37: 36-37 ‘Then the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies!’

The Psalmist is so right!

Conclusion:
The rulers of the earth ought to fear the Lord. If all the rulers of the earth feared God, then we probably won’t need weapons. Why? If all we need to do is pray and God will afflict our enemies, that meant we don’t even need to fight physically?

Let’s not return evil with evil. Would you trust the Lord to fight for you today?

Isaiah 35 - 36 (24th July) - Sky

Isaiah 35 Joy of the Redeemed

The desert will be glad and blossom, the land once devastated would again become vibrant and beautiful, much as a desert bursts into life with plants and flowers. Not only the land would change but the people as well stated in V5-V8.

In chapters 1-34, Isaiah delivered a message of judgment on all nations, including Israel and Judah, for rejecting and disobeying God. Although there were glimpses of relief and restoration for the remnant of faithful believers, the climate of wrath, fury, judgment, and destruction prevailed. Now Isaiah breaks through with a vision of beauty and encouragement. God is just as complete in his mercy as he is severe in his judgment. God's complete moral perfection is revealed by his hatred of all sin, and this leads to judgment. This same moral perfection is revealed in his love for all he has created. This leads to mercy for those who have been less than perfect but who have sincerely loved and obeyed him.

Aren’t we all were like deserts in the past? Dried, not perfect and flaws. As we give our life to Christ. Our desert blossoms, joy and gladness overtook our lives.

Isaiah 36 Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

From poems, Isaiah switches writing style and wrote this chapter in a manner of a prose (straight narration of history).

Propaganda was involved in this battle as it talks about how Sennacherib King of Assyria captured Judah and invading Jerusalem. The field commander encouraging rebellion within the city mention things like how the Lord told him to march against this country to destroy it and like not let King Hezekiah persuade you to trust the Lord.

Such claims would have struck terror into the hearts of the people of Judah to think that this enemy was following the Lord’s command. Although it’s true the Lord did use Assyria to punish the people of Israel and Judah but the commander didn’t realize Assyria itself was about to feel the heat and power of God’s judgment.

Even with so much blasphemy thrown to King Hezekiah his heart remains faithful to the Lord which the next chapter says he sought the Lord and prayed.

When a struggle or trouble comes, how will you be faithful to Christ? ^^

Isaiah 31 - 34 (23rd July) - Xiao Woon

Isaiah 31

1 What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help, trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers and depending on the strength of human armies instead of looking to the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.

Do you trust in the things of this world and not in God? Very often, we always trust in the things we physically see and hear when in fact we should be putting our trust on what we see and hear in the spiritual realm. Let us be sensitive to see and hear the things of the Lord, instead of the things of the world.

Isaiah 32

9 Listen, you women who lie around in ease. Listen to me, you who are so smug.

Are you living in your own comfort zones? If you are, it’s time you move out of your comfort zones to serve and do God’s work if not you will be complacent and be cursed. Repent before the Lord of any complacency today and God’s Spirit will be poured out from Heaven.

17 And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.

Thank God that He sent Jesus to die on the cross for us, and credit to us, righteousness. Let’s thank God for the peace and confidence that we can have in Him=)

Isaiah 33

1 What sorrow awaits you Assyrians, who have destroyed others but have never been destroyed yourselves. You betray others, but you have never been betrayed. When you are done destroying, you will be destroyed. When you are done betraying, you will be betrayed.

Do onto others what you want others to do onto you, for what bad that you do onto others, it shall come to you as well.

Isaiah 34

Let us not take God’s grace and mercy for granted for one day there shall come the day when there will be no more grace and mercy onto us.

Isaiah 28 - 30 (22nd July) - Li Juan

Isaiah 28 -30 is about the prophetic warnings concerning Ephraim and Judah. From the 3 chapters I’ve read, these 3 points are what I learnt:

1) Being sensitive to Him - Listen.
God spoke to the people about the resting place, yet they would not listen. Hence, God’s word to the Lord become “Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule, a little here, a little there.”, which meant to me that we could be doing and doing things by our own might, yet eventually ended up with nothing.

Similarly, like the farmer who plows and plants, he listens and learns the right way, which will give him a mighty harvest in time to come.

2) Being satisfied in Him - Trust.
Let our hearts be in line with our lips; when we come near to God and honor Him in speech, let our hearts draw near too. His wonders are so much greater than our wisdom and intelligence. He sees all things and there is nothing we can hide from Him. Therefore, take faith and trust that He will reward you accordingly to all that you’ve done. Just as He sees all evil, He sees all good deeds and words too.

3) Being secured in Him - Obey.
Do not be like the rebellious people who do not receive the Lord’s visions, but just want whatever which pleases themselves. No matter what decision you have to make, always follow the path that God has instructed. Whenever you turn to the left or right, be sure that God says walk in it. The Lord will punish those who disobey, yet He shows mercy to those who turn back from their wayward paths and decide to walk right again.

Hosea 8 - 14 (21st July) - Sky

As we start today’s blog summary. A lot of people shared that in the book of Hosea is a sad story of unfaithfulness and sorrow. But I disagree, in this book I learnt “Love that will not quit”

Look for ways that Hosea loved his undeserving wife and consider how God does the same for us.

Hosea 8 - Israel to Reap Whirlwind

This chapter starts with judgment, like an eagle over the house of the Lord. This image signified God’s coming judgment as Assyria would invade and destroy Israel.

Putting this chapter into context with Hosea life. If your wife/husband is unfaithful, sleeping around and doing whatever that’s sinful. How would u feel? That’s how God feels. It is written countless of times. God has feelings. He can be grieved, angered, frustrated or delighted with our behavior

Israel is to reap a whirlwind as this image portrays the sad fate of Israel in its apostasy, idolatry and infidelity. Rather than sowing productive seed, Israel sowed wind, that is, mere air or a trifling nothing. The tragic harvest of such sowing is a devastating storm of judgment against the nation’s sin.

Have you been sowing wind? And feeling you are reaping a whirlwind? Or
Have you been sowing seeds and reaping fruits?

Hosea 9 – Punishment of Israel

Countless prophecies of judgment, punishment are listed here. Treasures taken, thorn overrunning their tents to yielding no fruit and losing off springs.

Israel glory merely a memory, a shame to the past.
As the prophet Hosea shared in verse 10
“When I found Israel; it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”

Early figs are considered especially delicious. Hosea used this poignant imagery to picture God’s delight in his chosen people in Israel’s earliest days as a nation. Glory fly away, like a detestable fruit spitted out of the Lord’s mouth Israel has become.

Hosea 10

Israel has quite a few contrast of poetic images are personified in this chapter.
Spreading vine – Growing and becoming a nation bearing fruit

Poisonous weeds in a plowed field – Becoming an infection to the world
From a fruitful spreading vine, Israel became poisonous weeds.

Hosea in verse 12 gives Israel a wake-up call hoping that Israel would turn from wickedness to righteous. Reaping fruit of unfailing love rather than reaping evil and eating fruit of deception.

Hosea 11 – God’s Love for Israel

Hosea switched the love analogy from husband-wife to father and son. Just as a father cares for and nurtures his son, God had taken care of the people Israel, bringing them out of Egypt and establishing them in a land of promise.

As the Lord bless, nurture and love them more. The further Israel was to our Lord, they sacrificed to Baals, refusing to repent and determined to turn from Him. Countless of times they displease the Lord. But always always The Lord forgave, can’t bear to give them up in V8. Like father and a son.

Would u say to yourself “I know a love that does not quit.”

Hosea 12 – Israel Sin

Jacob known for his deceit was the father of Israel’s 12 tribes. Like their ancestor, the people of Hosea’s day also were deceitful. But Hosea wanted them to follow Jacob’s further example. Jacob searched for God and allowed God to transform him, he had cleansed himself and his household of idol worship, and he had received God’s blessings.

Hosea shared the story of Jacob to Israel hoping they would follow his example.

Hosea 13 - The Lord’s Anger against Israel

As your see the chapter transits, from judgment to love etc. Chapter 13 shows the Lord’s anger to even to an extent it may sound brutal.

Israel sin more and more, building idols, kissing them, sacrificing their own children, anger of the Lord grew and grew. In V14 God said he will have no compassion.

Does that shock you? It did for me. But read the above blessing. The promise of the blessing in the first part of this verse appeared within the larger context of judgment. Death and the grave in fact, spoke of the nation’s ultimate demise. But in spite of all that, Hosea offered a glimmer of God’s love in God’s promise to ransom and redeems the people. The nation, after being judged and destroyed would be restored. But for the moment, God would show no compassion.

Sometimes I feel God love us too much until we sometimes take it for granted. And yet Our Lord still out of everything loves us. That’s why HIS Love does not quit.

Hosea 14 – Repentance to Bring Blessing

As Hosea ends the chapter, asking Israel to once again return to the Lord. Hosea denounced the empty religious rituals of the people in the earlier chapters. In V2 He elaborated further by describing a genuine sacrifice –lips that sincerely offered one’s whole being to God. The fruit of lips is a phrase used to describe human praise and thanksgiving in worship.

Israel has always thought rituals solve everything, but God is always searching your heart, not your doings. If it’s still by our works we are holy, what for we need Christ th ultimate fulfillment of Love shown and died for us?

Remember “His LOVE never Quits”