This is the Psalm that Jesus was quoting when He is hanged on the Cross between Heaven and Earth. As i read the psalm, the expression was dark, bitter, and desperate. The writer indeed feel the loss of the presence of God. It seems that God did not hear the prayer, and the writer was left with doubt and fear.
I reminds me immediately with the story of Mother Teresa after her death. Some of the secret letter of her was found and it shows a different perspective of this wonderful lady. One of the excerpt of that letter express her feeling of emptiness despite surrounded by what she loves the most; Serving Jesus. This is what she said:
"Jesus has a very special love for you. As for me, the silence and the emptiness is so great that I look and do not see, listen and do not hear."
— Mother Teresa to the Rev. Michael Van Der Peet, September 1979
Even her who always perceived as one the greatest spiritual leader of the 20th centuries do feel the emptiness of God in her life.
However, Psalm 22 do not leave the reader empty all the time. At the end of the chapter the writer know that despite all things their hope still lied on the LORD their God. And that give us that spark of Hope, and to know that Hope is indeed a good thing.
Project:
Hope is a good thing............
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Proverbs 11:4-7
Paraphrase and Principle:
When i read the verses immediately one word seems to appear again and again. That word is Righteousness. In all verses that i read, this word "righteousness" seems to be the main theme of these verses. Righteousness is described as:
1. Better than Wealth (verse 4)
2. Guidance (Verse 5)
3. Deliverance (Verse 6)
Now all the descriptions above point out to the fact that righteousness is indeed a good thing. But rather than only focus on the beneficial part of it, i want to observe what is the relational beauty of righteousness when it reflected to my personal relationship with God. When we decide to do what is right in the sight of God, it shows our interest, priorities, and also our allegiance. It is the heart of the word of Jesus "Seek ye first the kingdom of God AND its RIGHTEOUSNESS" That there are certain characteristic of God that must be follow in order for us to be part of the Kingdom. There are few National Characteristic of the Kingdom that is separating them from the rest of the other "kingdom" You cannot hold the passport of the Kingdom while act and belief on other Nation.
Projects:
In making any decision today, i need to put extra consideration in asking the Question "is this righteous?" in the eyes of God?
When i read the verses immediately one word seems to appear again and again. That word is Righteousness. In all verses that i read, this word "righteousness" seems to be the main theme of these verses. Righteousness is described as:
1. Better than Wealth (verse 4)
2. Guidance (Verse 5)
3. Deliverance (Verse 6)
Now all the descriptions above point out to the fact that righteousness is indeed a good thing. But rather than only focus on the beneficial part of it, i want to observe what is the relational beauty of righteousness when it reflected to my personal relationship with God. When we decide to do what is right in the sight of God, it shows our interest, priorities, and also our allegiance. It is the heart of the word of Jesus "Seek ye first the kingdom of God AND its RIGHTEOUSNESS" That there are certain characteristic of God that must be follow in order for us to be part of the Kingdom. There are few National Characteristic of the Kingdom that is separating them from the rest of the other "kingdom" You cannot hold the passport of the Kingdom while act and belief on other Nation.
Projects:
In making any decision today, i need to put extra consideration in asking the Question "is this righteous?" in the eyes of God?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Proverbs 11:1-3
Paraphrase and Principle:
There are three main principle in this part of Proverbs that i can draw for my personal devotion this morning. These principles are indeed crucial and important for my personal spiritual journey.
The three principles that i can learn from this passage are:
Proverbs 11:1 - Honesty
The passage deals with honesty in doing business, but the principle does not change. It deals with honesty in all side of life. I am in need to present the situation and condition just the way it is. This is something that i should remind myself again and again.
Proverbs 11:2 - Humility
This is the verse that strike me the most when i did the reading. Humility brings wisdom. How can it bring wisdom? One thing i learn, those who are humble often are teachable. When someone is teachable, it allows that person to absorb more learning and knowledge but also understanding of life. It works both in worldly knowledge, but more importantly in heavenly understanding. Only when i am humble enough to admit that "i dont know" that is the time that the Holy Spirit can work in me. There is a saying in my language that sounds like this: "its like rice, the more grains it have the lower it become"
Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity
Integrity is the ability to stay true to oneself belief despite circumstances and challenges. This fact is something that i still have a long way to go. Not so much in the sense of moral integrity but rather in personal emotional stability. Sometimes i perceive myself as a person who is able to say yes to all things because i am flexible sometimes probably too flexible. I should take more time to be able to say no,and to express my personal thought despite rejection and disagreement. Disagreement is indeed natural and i shouldnt avoid it all time at all cost.
Projects:
I will say more No to request that i have to do when its affect my priorities this week.
There are three main principle in this part of Proverbs that i can draw for my personal devotion this morning. These principles are indeed crucial and important for my personal spiritual journey.
The three principles that i can learn from this passage are:
Proverbs 11:1 - Honesty
The passage deals with honesty in doing business, but the principle does not change. It deals with honesty in all side of life. I am in need to present the situation and condition just the way it is. This is something that i should remind myself again and again.
Proverbs 11:2 - Humility
This is the verse that strike me the most when i did the reading. Humility brings wisdom. How can it bring wisdom? One thing i learn, those who are humble often are teachable. When someone is teachable, it allows that person to absorb more learning and knowledge but also understanding of life. It works both in worldly knowledge, but more importantly in heavenly understanding. Only when i am humble enough to admit that "i dont know" that is the time that the Holy Spirit can work in me. There is a saying in my language that sounds like this: "its like rice, the more grains it have the lower it become"
Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity
Integrity is the ability to stay true to oneself belief despite circumstances and challenges. This fact is something that i still have a long way to go. Not so much in the sense of moral integrity but rather in personal emotional stability. Sometimes i perceive myself as a person who is able to say yes to all things because i am flexible sometimes probably too flexible. I should take more time to be able to say no,and to express my personal thought despite rejection and disagreement. Disagreement is indeed natural and i shouldnt avoid it all time at all cost.
Projects:
I will say more No to request that i have to do when its affect my priorities this week.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Discipline is Good
Search and Select The Verse:
Proverbs 3:11-12
Watch The Context:
The proverbs is part of Introduction of Proverbs
The verse itself is a chiastic inclusio focus on word discipline and rebuke
Observe The Word:
Discipline - rebuke - warning
Reflect The Message:
God often remind us with discipline just like what earthly father will do to their children. Discipline's intention is never destructive but redemptive. Its to uplift the person and requires a great self control from the person who perform the discipline. At this context, God will rebuke His children for redeeming them.
Develop A New Walk with God:
When i feel that God disciplined me i should asked God and myself what God tries to redeem from me? which character flaw that i am not aware of that God tries to mold?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Proverbs 3:11-12
Watch The Context:
The proverbs is part of Introduction of Proverbs
The verse itself is a chiastic inclusio focus on word discipline and rebuke
Observe The Word:
Discipline - rebuke - warning
Reflect The Message:
God often remind us with discipline just like what earthly father will do to their children. Discipline's intention is never destructive but redemptive. Its to uplift the person and requires a great self control from the person who perform the discipline. At this context, God will rebuke His children for redeeming them.
Develop A New Walk with God:
When i feel that God disciplined me i should asked God and myself what God tries to redeem from me? which character flaw that i am not aware of that God tries to mold?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1,,Singapore
Friday, July 29, 2011
Goal of Today:
1. Jer 31:3 - Problems: The verse encourage me to see God will still love me despite difficult circumstances i face this week.
2. John 15:5 - goals: i want to dwell in Jesus for helping Chuan Hoe produce their fruit of the Spirit
3. 1 John :9 - Problem - i want to claim God's forgiveness when i fall in temptation daily.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
1. Jer 31:3 - Problems: The verse encourage me to see God will still love me despite difficult circumstances i face this week.
2. John 15:5 - goals: i want to dwell in Jesus for helping Chuan Hoe produce their fruit of the Spirit
3. 1 John :9 - Problem - i want to claim God's forgiveness when i fall in temptation daily.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Lesson From John
Search and Select The Passage:
John 3:30
Watch The Context:
John's disciples inform him, that Jesus is getting more popular than John. To this John reply that he is not the messiah, and therefore he will live according to the glory given to his portion
Observe the Word:
He must become greater, i must become less
Reflect the Message:
I heard this sermon online and the message was very powerful it become my reflection:
http://www.andrews.edu/sem/sem-chapel/chapel-audio/2011/spring/chapel_01_04_2011_clifford_jones.mp3
Develop The Message:
God help me to be second, so Christ will always be first. Teach me humility so i can understand the life of Christ.
John 3:30
Watch The Context:
John's disciples inform him, that Jesus is getting more popular than John. To this John reply that he is not the messiah, and therefore he will live according to the glory given to his portion
Observe the Word:
He must become greater, i must become less
Reflect the Message:
I heard this sermon online and the message was very powerful it become my reflection:
http://www.andrews.edu/sem/sem-chapel/chapel-audio/2011/spring/chapel_01_04_2011_clifford_jones.mp3
Develop The Message:
God help me to be second, so Christ will always be first. Teach me humility so i can understand the life of Christ.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
One Who Saved Me
Search and Select The Passage
Acts 13:36-41
Watch The Context:
The continuation of Paul's sermon regarding the saviour Jesus. The Sermon was preached after synagogue worship in Pisidian Antioch the center of military and civil government of Galatia. The popultion was a mix of jewish immigrant, and gentiles.
Observe The Word:
Experience decay - can be translated as corruption - showing the impact of sin
Justified - come from the greek word "set free"
Reflect The Mesage:
Christ is indeed the saviour-for the early church and for me today. In His love i am freed from the chain of eternal death that suppose to be for me. He died, but he didnt experience decay - the symbol of eternal death. This death wad conquered when he was ressurected and give me the freedom from death. Thank you Lord for that freedom.
Develop a new walk with God:
I am free LORD and i am renewed. Help me to always remember this powerful mesage and live up to he grace i have received.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Acts 13:36-41
Watch The Context:
The continuation of Paul's sermon regarding the saviour Jesus. The Sermon was preached after synagogue worship in Pisidian Antioch the center of military and civil government of Galatia. The popultion was a mix of jewish immigrant, and gentiles.
Observe The Word:
Experience decay - can be translated as corruption - showing the impact of sin
Justified - come from the greek word "set free"
Reflect The Mesage:
Christ is indeed the saviour-for the early church and for me today. In His love i am freed from the chain of eternal death that suppose to be for me. He died, but he didnt experience decay - the symbol of eternal death. This death wad conquered when he was ressurected and give me the freedom from death. Thank you Lord for that freedom.
Develop a new walk with God:
I am free LORD and i am renewed. Help me to always remember this powerful mesage and live up to he grace i have received.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Jurong East Street 21,,Singapore
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)