Saturday, November 29, 2008
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it's good to be back at worshipnet..Learn something new everyday!
Day 148.
Proverbs 26
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
[argh confusing.. are the verses contradicting one another??]
Proverbs 27
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
[you know that you love someone when they do something that hurts you, because love hurts(in a good way)]
19 As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man.
[what is the state of our heart? because God looks directly at the heart, nothing can fool Him]
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
And attend to your herds;
[sounds like a great verse for leaders! it's important to know the state of our flock :)]
Proverbs 28
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
[mercy, mercy, we all need God's mercy, but how do we get it? By confessing and forsaking our sins.]
w00t passed all my exams! really only by God's grace. Thank You God!
Someone said tonight in cell something along the lines of "God will supply..". Which is true, since God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider.. at the same time, it is also said that our God will supply for all our needs. When that came into my mind, it felt as though God was asking me what the difference between 'need' and 'want' was, or do we treat it as the same thing? Our 'needs', are our essentials, things that are needed to live. Our 'wants' on the other hand are things that make our lives more comfortable. Simple example, everyone needs a house to live in, but we don't need a huge mansion to live luxuriously.. to have a big and fancy house would just be a want. God has promised to supply all our needs, and never promised to give us all our wants. Many times what we want isn't neccesarily what we need. And i think many people have the wrong idea of God being a person who gives us whatever we want, like winning the lotto, or driving a ferrari, and when they don't get what they want, they start doubting God and questioning Him. We have to becareful and remember what we learn from the Bible, and not to add or subtract from it. God keeps His word and does not lie!
Day 147.
Proverbs 20 -> drinking and getting drunk is a no-no
1 Wine is a mocker,
Strong drink is a brawler,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
24 A man’s steps are of the LORD;
How then can a man understand his own way?
Proverbs 23 -> something thats taking me a while to learn..
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;
18 For surely there is a hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24
13 My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
Friday, November 28, 2008
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exam results are slowly coming out! suspense or faith?
Day 146.
Proverbs 16
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the LORD.
Found v32 interesting.. never knew we could rule our spirit? but in the verse, to be able to rule/control one's spirit is a good thing, it is compared to having patience which is better than power. To rule one's spirit, is that refering to our fleshly nature? e.g to be able to rule one's fleshy nature and desires which are after the things of this world? If it is, then it is definitely something that everyone has to work towards to.. we need to train up our spirit and discipline the flesh! Not finding it that easy to do so myself.. Daily crucifying the flesh!
v33. Does that mean that we get the options to choose, but ultimately every decision is made by the Lord? hmmm just something that struck me.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
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Day 145.
Proverbs 12
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
16 A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.
17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.
Proverbs 15
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
But He loves him who follows righteousness.
10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way,
And he who hates correction will die.
11 Hell and Destruction are before the LORD;
So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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Many times when we pray for God to have His way in our lives, or when we pray 'Your kingdom come, Your will be done', are we really meaning it and letting God take control of EVERYTHING in our life? Or are we praying that, and the next minute asking God to fulfill one of OUR needs and wants. To have all of God and none of us, would that mean that what we want for our lives wouldn't matter anymore since it wouldn't be ours to live but God's? We want the benefit of having God rule and be in control of our life, because we know that when God is in control nothing will go wrong.. but at the same time, we still cannot let go of the little things that we want. Like we want certain things and pray to God, asking for Him to give it to us, and sometimes we want it so badly that we desperately pray to God pleading for it.. But does that still mean that God is in control? For God to be in total, total control, does that mean that our little needs and wants don't matter anymore? Since at the end of the day, God's way of life is the best life we could ever get.. He is God and created all things after all. So is it right to give God total control of our life, but at the same time still pray to God about our needs?
Day144.
Proverbs 11
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,
But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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uugghh holidays.. getting too engrossed into fun and games that i am spending less and less time with God..which is bad. I should be spending more time with God, and not let the holiday mood get in my way. Need to start over again and stop wasting precious time doing useless things.. Had big plans for this holidays and i plan to stick to it. I need to go deeper..
Jesus, be my Lord, be my God. Have Your way in my life. Help me to keep focused. To be God-centered at all times.
Day 143.
There's so much to learn just by reading the first 6 chapters of proverbs. Just reading it, there were so many things that struck me and reminded me about what we should be doing. A lot on wisdom, understanding, discipline, and God's teachings. There's too much to even write on because everything is so important. God's just so amazing..
Monday, November 24, 2008
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loong day of church.. Sunday is most probably my longest day in the whole week! But it feels good being back at church after a long week. It always has a sense of peace, and relaxation in the atmosphere, but mainly because God is there!
Day 142.
Read more about how wise King Solomon was, and about all the fame and fortune that he had gathered because of his great wisdom. It was counted that he composed 3000 proverbs, and wrote 1005 songs, so that is pretty amazing.. But the main thing is that that wisdom came from God, and God blessed Solomon and made him to be where he was. May we be like King Solomon and pray for wisdom, because wisdom is supreme!
Psalm 89
5 And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD;
Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints.
6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD?
Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD?
7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,
And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.
8 O LORD God of hosts,
Who is mighty like You, O LORD?
Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
9 You rule the raging of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
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It's time to let our light shine!
Day 141.
The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's great wisdom, wealth, and fame, and wanted to see for herself. So she went to Jerusalem and spoke with Solomon. After speaking to him, she said this:
5 Then she said to the king: “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. 6 However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard.(2 Chronicles 9:5-6)
And after that she went on to bless the Lord, who was the God of Solomon, for blessing Solomon so greatly. So we first have to realize that every good thing that we have comes from God. After realizing that, we have to acknowledge it and give thanks to God for it. And then God will multiply the blessings that he has given us.
Another thing was that, the response that the queen of Sheba gave i reckon is pretty similiar to the one we have when we just think about God's greatness. We all have heard of God's greatness and magnitude, but it is only when we see it first hand, will we realize how big He actually is. God exceeds all expectation, because He is an infinte God. No matter how big we know He is, He is also bigger than that.
Yaf was fun today! Had lots of fun during worship, thank God for the wonderful worshipnet we have with all the wonderful members! I remembered the great experience we had during worship at the hillsong conference.. There was so much freedom in that place, and it really felt like it was just you and God even though there were thousands of other people in the acer arena. At the conference, you wouldn't even care about what the people around you are thinking, because they would all be so focused on worshipping God, and somehow their presence just disappears, and the next thing you know it's just you worshipping God with all you have! hehe i wish one day, our church could be like that.. where we have a time of worship where everyone is just so focused on God, till the point where the thought of other's in the room doesn't even cross their mind! The feeling of freedom and liberty to worship God is great!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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hmmm gotta be a lot more disciplined this hols..
Day 139.
So started on the book Song of Songs, which i think is also known as the Song of Solomon, and found that it's a rpetty intereting book to read.. also not very easy to understand at the same time haha.. Solomon narrates like a story, and even has different characters in it.
Solomon 1
1 The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.THE Shulamite 2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
For your love is better than wine.
3 Because of the fragrance of your good ointments,
Your name is ointment poured forth;
Therefore the virgins love you.
4 Draw me away!The Daughters of Jerusalem We will run after you.The Shulamite The king has brought me into his chambers.The Daughters of Jerusalem We will be glad and rejoice in you.
We will remember your love more than wine.
Haha.. So what's it mean?
phew exams are finally over! i guess now is the time to get serious?
Day 138.
Solomon does a pretty long prayer which is recorded in 2 Chronicles 6, and again in 1 Kings 8. What amazed me was when Solomon stood on the platform in front of the the entire congregation of Israel to pray, he knelt down and spread his hands towards heaven. I mean Solomon was the king of Israel, and i would be guessing that for a king to kneel down, would show some serious humility. What's more was that Solomon did this in front of the whole coomunity of Israel, in public. That to me deserves great respect, because im sure the entire congregation of Israel that was present, must have been a lot! King Solomon, even though being made king, still was wise enough and humbled himself to kneel before the King of kings. A good leader is one that leads by example, and i'm sure that Solomon act of humility was a great example. If he could do it, will we do it?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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yesss last exam tomorrow! can't wait for it to be over..
Day 137.
So the temple is completed and now the ark of the covenent of the Lord is being brought into the temple. As the Levites and the elders were bringing the ark into the temple, it is recorded that King Solomon and the entire congregation of Israel who were assembled before the ark were sacrificing sheep and oxen, and they sacrificed so many of them that it couldn't even be counted! haha i found that pretty cool.. Goes to show how big of an importance it was to them. Then it goes on in 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, saying that after the ark was in the temple, the priest came out of the Most Holy Place and the Levites along with the musicians started praising and thanking God in song.
13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. It was really cool in v14, how the priests couldn't minister anymore because the glory of the Lord filled the whole place in a form of a cloud. It must've been a pretty thick cloud to actually stop them from ministering! Hopefully i will be in a place like that one day too! But the amazing fact is that what caused the glory of the Lord to fill the house of God in the first place was their worship! They were singing, and praising God and in the process, God's glory just fell in that place. How awesome is that.
It is said that time heals all wounds, but i believe that it is time with God that heals all wounds. God is just so amazing, and i can't think a single reason to not love Him. He really is all we need. What i want, is to have a deep and intimate relationship with God, one that is strong and never ending. Everything just pales in comparison to that. All relationships or any kind and amount of love that anyone can give, will never be able to compare to the love that God has. Truly deeply amazing..
Day 136.
Psalm 128
1 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the LORD.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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Next exam tomorrow afternoon! Hopefully i will be ready then.
Day 135.
Read part of proverbs 31 which was about being a good wife, pretty random.. I think the main passage today was 1 Kings 6, which talked about the description of the temple. Like all the fancy stuff that it had, and all the other details like the dimensions, and materials used. As always, there was so much precision in the building of the temple, everything was so precise and perfect. Well it was the Lord's temple, and so i'm sure that everything would have been with a very high standard. Everything also ran smoothly because it was ultimately God's will for the temple to be built. Psalm 127:1
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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2 down, 2 to go! Hmmm exam today was pretty tough.. praying for good results now! Next exam is on Monday, which leaves me with 1 day to prepare for it! Shouldn't be a problem.
Day 134.
Solomon makes a treaty with Hiram, the king of Tyre. Solomon gets Hiram to send over cedar logs from Lebanon to build God's temple, and in return Solomon will provide the workers with food. So all the other preperations were also completed in the process and the work of building the temple begun. The responsibility of building God's temple must have been pretty big for Solomon, especially when it was meant to be one that was going to be great and majestic, which would display God's glory. But Solomon was very organized and had everything all planned out almost perfectly. Was it because he was the king and was very wise? It could be the case.. But one thing that is for sure is that God was on his side, helping him and ensuring that everything would go smoothly. All Solomon was, was just a vessel for God to use on this earth, because Solomon had allowed God to use him, God worked through him to build His temple. When we allow God to use us, and work through us, He will make our path straight. We become the channels in which the blessings will flow through, and we don't need to do anything but to make sure that we don't restrict God in the work that He is doing through us. Be an open channel.
Friday, November 14, 2008
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Ok exam tomorrow morning, most probably my hardest paper for me this semester! Gonna sleep early tonight, so a short post?
One thing that came to my mind during worship tonight at yaf: For God, everything is simple, so simple.
Day 133.
Just gonna write something short that i read from onr of the passages tonight, it is from 1 Kings 3. God appears to Solomon in a dream and asks him what he wants. This is Solomon's reply.
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
Solomon had asked for an understanding heart to judge God's people. One that could discern between good and evil. And because his heart's desire was on the things of God, and not of this world, God was pleased with him. And this was God's reply.
12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
Amazing how God gives us what we ask for, and on top of that, He even gives us what we don't ask for! This is what happens when our minds are centered on the things of God, he will provide us and bless us to the overflowing, giving us more than what we expected!
What faithfullnes so great
that none can compare
So righteous in all Your ways
And in all that You do
We praise Your holy name
We bless Your Majesty
Come fill us with Your love
As we open up our hearts
Next paper on sat, most probably gonna be my hardest paper!
Day 132.
David dies and passes the throne to Solomon, his last words to Solomon was this: 1 Kings 2:1-3
1 Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: 2 “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. 3 And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;
This was a last piece of advice from a very wise man to his son, so it is definitely worth listening to. David told Solomon to be strong, to keep the charge of the Lord, to walk in his ways, to keep His statues, His commandments, His judgements, and His testimonies. Why? So that he may prosper in all that he does, and wherever he goes! Basically for us, it is just obedience to the word. Everything that we need to know is all in the Bible, and all we need to do is to follow it, and do whatever it says. But it's always much easier said than done! That's why we have to constantly remind ourselves, and be in communion with the Holy Spirit all the time.. then again.. it's much easier said than done. That's why we need God's help.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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1 down, 3 more to go! Thank You God!
Praying a good night of sleep for the rest of the week..haven't really had one because of the heat!!
Day 131.
Some more psalms today.. David wrote really nice psalms, especially when he is describing about God's greatness/glory/splendor/majesty! Very wise man indeed..
Psalm 145:10-21
10 All Your works shall praise You, O LORD,
And Your saints shall bless You.
11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.[c]
14 The LORD upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.
God's just awesome fullstop. One last verse which i read, and thought that i'll make it my prayer is Psalm 86:11. Great verse! A desire from the bottom of my heart!
11 Teach me Your way, O LORD;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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Exam starts tomorrow for me! Wooo, can't wait till next week, because it's gonna be over all so fast! No stress, no pressure, with God on my side. plus i've done all that i could already anyway. Exam times = time for children of God to show the glory of God through their results!
Day 130.
More readings in Chronicles with lots of names.. People assigned to be temple guards, treasurers, and others for the administrative duties. God's house can be seen to be one that is very orderly and organized, very well planned indeed! King David says some stuff to Solomon which i think was very good to take note of, 1 Chronicles 28:9-10
9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”
Lots of stuff to learn from those two verses(especially v9!), but i really like v10 because Solomon was chosen by the Lord to do something(to build the temple), and David's instructions to him was "be strong, and do it". Likewise for each of us, we have been called by God to do something for Him, and the instructions are simple. Just be strong, and do it!
Monday, November 10, 2008
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Pumped and hopefully ready to go! 1 more day till first exam!
Day 129.
David makes heaps of preperation for the temple that is going to be built by Solomon for the Lord. Lots of gold, silver, bronze, and iron were prepared for the temple. Lots of workers were also provided like stonecuters, masons, carpenters, and other skilled people in every kind of work. Even though David knew that he wasn't the one who was gonna build God's temple, still he wanted to do whatever he could to help in the process. David had a genuine love and respect for God, and wanted God's fame and glory to be known throughout world.. he pretty much did all that he could possibly do for God! Definitely an amazing guy.
After the preperations for the temple was complete, David went on to assign different people their different roles and duties that they will have in the temple. There were roles such as people who were in charge of the temple, officers and judges, gatekeepers, and those that praised God with their instruments(the worshippers!) The rest of the passage went on with the whole process of allocating different people to their roles, and a whole long list of the names of different people. Lesson learnt, everyone has their place in God's house, we just need to find our place, and do our best serving God!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
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hmm the exams are taking up too much space in my mind thats it has become one of the only things that are on my mind now.. Not easy putting God first all the time when im subconciously thinking of the exams all the time. I've been brought up with my life always centered around the exams and how well i fare, that even now i get worried at every single exam i go to. Which isn't really a bad thing because it motivates me to study, but whenever we enter into this exam period, the 'God' time always decreases, and many times doesn't even come across my mind.. which is bad. I've got to learn to actively put God first in all i do and no matter what i'm facing. Definitely not an easy thing to be done, but is possible. Remember Ps Chris sharing that the more time we spend with God doesn't mean less time on studies, however it means that the more time we spend with God, the more God helps us to study, and the more we'll get done in a shorter period of time. I've gotta start applying that in my life.
Day 128.
King David grows old and his son Solomon becomes the next king. Adonijah tries to make himself king by exalting himself as the next king in line, but ends up failing. Solomon gets anointed by Zadok the priest to be the new king, and rode on king David's own donkey. Solomon who was another man of God could have easily killed Adonijah the moment he was made king, but didn't end up doing it, and instead spared his life. We can all try to be someone else, and exalt ourself to be a person of authority..but if we aren't anointed to do it, we will never end up succeeding. We can try to do all the fancy things like Adonijah did, like setting a feast and inviting lots of people over to celebrate. However at the end of the day, we have to be anointed and chosen by God, if not nothing good will come out of it. So lesson learnt, don't try to be someone that you're not meant to be.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
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time flies so fast, if you think about it, life isn't very long at all... Who know's how much time we have left in this world, no one does.. but one thing that we can be certain of is the place that we will be going after. It definitely is a much better place, where we will spend the rest of ETERNITY at! I got reminded of again today that life is so short, and we have to live it to the full! Living it out the Jesus way. We can try our best to make our life here on earth fun and enjoyable for ourselves by getting good jobs, houses, friends, and family.. But ultimately they will all fade away one day, and none of that will mean anything. Whats the point of doing something that will result to nothing in the end? That's like the biggest waste of time ever.. Why not do something useful, that will ensure our salvation and our eternal future up in heaven? We can do this and do that, want this and want that, but is that what God has for us? If it isn't, then i'd rather God not give it to me. I only want what's best for my life, which is what God wants for me. Even if we end suffering, how long will that last for? A few months or years perhaps? But that's nothing compared to the goal that is waiting for us at the finish line. Focus! With eyes on the prize!
Day 127.
I didn't quite understand a few things from the passages i read today. The main passage was 2 Samuel 24:1-9, which is sort of repeated in 1 Chronicles 21:1-6. So i read the first verses of each passage and was confused..
2 Sam 24:1
1 Again the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”
1 Chron 21:1
1 Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.
I'm not too sure but does the first part of those verses mean the same thing by any chance? Anger of the Lord and satan?? So anyway David sent Joab and a few others other to take a census of all the troops he had. And again the number of troops recoreded in both passages were different..not too sure why.. Then for some weird reason in 2 Samuel 24:10
10 And David’s heart condemned him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O LORD, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”
Did David sin because he counted the number of troops he had?? Was that the sin or was it something else? For the remaining part of the chapter, God gives David 3 choices of punishment because of his sin, and God ended up sending a plague on Israel which killed 70,000 men.
zzZZ it's late! thx for birthday wishes, but i don't think it's anything special haha.. It's really late and im really tired so i'm not gonna do a post tonight, will do it tomorrow night though.. Once again thank God for the wonderful family He's placed me in, and for all the great friends that i have. These 18 years wouldn't have been possible without Him. So thank you God!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
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hmmm is God's anointing over our lives for a special purpose? or is it like a general anointing that can work for everything.. What if someone is called to and is anointed for a special role and purpose in God's house, and decides to do something else instead which he really likes and loves doing.. does the anointing that is over his life still work? Simple example i can think of.. Person A is called and anointed to be a great evangelist(or whatever role), but he really loves doing something that is different like singing(plus the fact that he is good at it, and has a sincere passion for it). I know you can be good at both at the same time, but what if you focus more on the thing that your not called and anointed to be.. does it matter? will the same anointing still be there?
Bottom line, can u be anointed to do something that you have not been called to do?
Day 125.
Interesting how the first thing David asked the messengers when they came running back with the good news was if his son Absalom was all right. To think that Absalom, the son who rebelled agianst David, who stole his title as king, publicly disgraced David by sleeping with all his concubines, and even made David to flee from his own home, that David who was the king and had everything, would still care for such a son. King David had many many sons, but still he loved them as a father. It's pretty amazing..any normal person would be glad that the person who was after their life is now gone, and that they would be able to return to their kingdom! But David turned the day of celebration because of the battle's victory into a day of mourning. When David learnt that his son had died, he was deeply moved and went into his chambers to weep. David was even willing to die in the place of his son Absalom. If this isn't a father's love and forgiveness, i don't know what it is. After all that Absalom his own son, flesh and blood, did to him, David was still able to forgive him.. That seems like such an impossible thing to do.. David must have a really really big heart or something, either that or a really high tolerance level..
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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Prayer meeting in the sanctuary tonight was good, although everyone felt so far.. maybe it was because i was right at the back! But God's presence was definitely there, and it was really good to just to come together as a church family and to seek God together. Found it really easy to worship tonight because we had so much extra room to just spread our hands and do whatever we want, it felt so much less restricted. Looking forward to this sunday again, can't wait to be back in God's house!
Day 124.
David led a pretty interesting life, first being chased by his father-in-law, Saul, and now he's being chased by his very own son Absalom. I think the life that he had was pretty crazy.. the first part of his life was consisted of running for his life against the king, but after many years, God delievered him and he became king instead. Then after being king of Israel, his own son rises up against him and causes a rebellion, which lead David to run for his life yet again! But amazingly throughout his whole life, David trusted in God no matter what happened. He never blamed God, or cursed Him, but instead continually prayed to Him trusting in Him to provide and to protect him. I can't imagine myself going through the same thing, i might have given up a long time ago.. Anyway, David's army went against Israel, which was under Absalom's control, and David won. Absalom was killed in the forest because his head got tangled in the branches of an oak tree..
This is my prayer today.
Psalm 27:4-5
4 One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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Worship, the key to entering into God's presence. It's foolproof and works anywhere, anytime! God's presence is everywhere, but when we worship, it sharpens our spiritual sense, and helps us to feel the flow of the Holy Spirit much easier.. or at least thats how it works for me. And being in God's presence is by far the greatest feeling there is in this world, and nothing that this world can offer can beat that. How can anyone not love worship!
Day 123.
Mainly just reading of psalms today..
Psalm 4
3 But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the LORD.
6 There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
7 You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Really great verses that stood out to me as i was reading the psalms, it's all so meaningful and true! But then again, the Bible is.
And just a verse i read, which i think is pretty good for students now, especially now that we're in the exam period.
Psalm 55:22
22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Cast our burdens on the Lord, and He will support/sustain us! He will never allow the righteous to be moved or shaken! Goodbye burden of exam!
Day 122.
Psalm 14:2-5
2 The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
3 They have all turned aside,
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good,
No, not one.
4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
Who eat up my people as they eat bread,
And do not call on the LORD?
5 There they are in great fear,
For God is with the generation of the righteous.
v2-3 are the 'scary' verses.. The Lord is looking to see if there are any who understand, and who seek God. But all have turned aside and together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one! God is looking for people who understand.. understand what thought? Understand Him? or His word? Or what we're meant to do? And is also looking for people who seek Him! God is looking for seekers! People who are seeking Him! So if we want to be noticed by God, we must understand and seek Him, because God is looking for such people. Understand and seek Him...Understand and seek Him..
In v4 'Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge,..." is saying something like "do they not know?". God is with the generation of the righteous! Another key if we want God to be with us, and that is righteousness. May our generation be known as the generation of the righteous, the generation that God is with! v5, there they are in great fear. the 'there' refers to the workers of iniquity which im guessing represents the forces of evil. And it is always good to know that they are in great fear. Who are they afraid of? God. Why? Because He has the power to destroy them! So if we have God in us, there is no reason for us to fear them, because they would be afraid of us!
Monday, November 3, 2008
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"Success comes in cans!"
Day 121.
Absalom starts a rebellion by badmouthing David and in the process winning the hearts of many Israelites. Slowly he gained more popularity, and power among the Israelites, and devised plans to overthrow David as king. What spoke to me as i was reading this was that many of the Israelites didn't even know about what Absalom was doing, and what he was planning, but they still followed him and supported him.
2 Samuel 15:11
 11 And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything.
This was when Absalom was making his way to Hebron under the disguise of offering sacrifice to God. I found it really interesting how so many people treated Absalom as their leader and followed him not knowing anything at all! It wasn't just a few people, but 200 people followed him from Jerusalem all the way to Hebron.. how clueless could people be? Do we know who we're really following? Or are we just following aimlessly not knowing where we're even heading? It is very important for us to make sure that our leaders, the people we follow, are godly people. For us christians, we believe in Jesus, and in the Bible, and know that who we are following is the way to life. But there are many others out there, who are lost, aimless without anyone to follow..they would just follow anyone who would invite them like Absalom did. We have to be the ones who rise up to be the leaders and not just the followers, we have to lead others into the right direction, and not let them be dragged down into the wrong way. When i read the second part of the verse, i thought of animals or livestock that were being lead to the slaughter, innocent and not knowing where they're going. But in this case we're talking about humans, may we have compassion and love for them, and lead them into the right direction of life.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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So at worshipnet today as we were praying, i had a vision which i think was for myself. There was this small plant(something like wheat) that was growing, and it was still pretty young, because it was still in it's growing stage. Then all around were these tall shoots/plants that were surrounding. So i saw a small plant being surrounded by lots of other older and bigger plants that were definitely much more mature than the smaller one. And God told me that i was that small plant that was surrounded by many other bigger, stronger, and more mature plants(brothers and sisters at church). That i was trying to keep up with them, and forcing myself to be more like them, but in the process suffocating myself and doing myself more damage than good. It's like God was telling me that i will grow at my own rate/speed and should not be forcing myself to be more like the more mature Christians because there are certain steps that i have to take, and by trying to jump the queeue and speed up the growing process won't help. The older and more mature Christians have gone through more than i have, and some things are learnt through lessons and test. So in order for me the grow to where they are, i should just keep at what im doing and not give up. Because many times i see things happening to them that isn't happening to me, and i wonder why that is the case, and end up being disappointed. So i realised that i shouldnt speed or rush things up, but to go at the speed that God has planned for me, which is ultimately best for me as well.
Then after that anne had a vision of me being a farmer, breaking soil in a huge plot of land with nothing in it at all. And i was there all alone, breaking up the ground slowy. I think i was meant to persevere and not be discouraged, and something to do with breaking of stones and rocks in people hearts? I couldn't really remember much, because it was pretty long, but i know that what i saw and what anne said were pretty much confirmation. I got the same message from God either way, and it really spoke to me.
Day 120.
Problems occured in David's family with his kids..Amnon forced his sister Tamar to sleep with him, and because of that disgraced her. Then her other brother Absalom ended up killing Amnon because of what he did to her sister, and ended up running away. At the end, Absalom comes back to Jerusalem because of the help from Joab. Don't know what i could learn from the passage, but one thing i know was that there definitely was some issues going on within David's family..
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