Key Verses --> 23: 3-4, 23: 8-10, 2: 11-12, 23: 14-17
Im starting to realise now that the more i do my Quiet Time, the more i look forward to it everyday. its really something that i look forward to because of the amount that has been and is continuing to be spoken to me. in 2 Samuel Chapter 23, although it is part of the story of ki david and how he reigned as well as the mighty men he had under him, it still taught me alot. i remember a sermon by pastor clement given on this particular chapter, in fact i think i've heard it at least twice. but it struck me again about the faithfulness of these mighty men of david. as well as how well it ties into the lesson learnt today from the Quiet Time material im doing. in verses 8-10, it tells us how God can use ordinary men to do extra ordinary things, in these 3 verses, one cant help bt wonder and marvel at the feats.but i feel that above and beyond that, these feats were only made possible because these men had their hearts right with God. just like in psalms there is a verse that says i can do all things through christ who strengthens me. its little wonder that these men could accomplish these feats.
just like shammah in verse 11-12, but also another point to note is what i remember learning from pastor clement in the same sermon he gave. that shammah defended the field because he was called to do so by a higher authority. the faithfulness he displayed in accomplishinghis task is omething i want to have. im sure that even in the midst of going through his duty of defending the field,seeing all his comrades flee would have at least sent a little bit of fear into his heart. but i guess what helped him through that is his faith in the Lord God almighty. and that is what i feel applies to my life right now. even though i fear what is to come in the future in OCS, i know that i can put my faith, trust and hope in God. at the end of the day, i want to say that the bars on my shoulders are my God's and not mine.
also, in verses 14-17, ut tells us about how loyal david's men were to him. at just a passing mention, they broke into the enemy lines and got what he desired. but another lesson to be learnt is simply how david poured out and offered what his men got him to God. not only is this a great act of leadership but i for one feel that it was also symbolic of david pouring out what he craved and longed for at the feet of God, offering his heart's desirs to God. from this we can see how high a place God has in his heart. how david submitted the longings that he had to God and offeed them to God. that is something i want to do. just like david i want to offer my heart's desires to God, to let God take total and complete control of my life. right down to the deepest desires of my heart, the things i keep secret from many people, like my desie to be in a relationship. i surrender and lay before God as my offering. symbolic of me giving my heart, my life and my all to God. for if i surrender my desires to God, i become His to use and i willingly surrender.
it is little wonder that verse 3 is a key erse in this chapter. i totally agree with it! when one rules over men in righteousness, he rules in the fear of God. because the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom and when u rule in fear of God, its only natural you do that which God wants you to do. in the same way we should lead in the fear of God. and like the verses 2 and 3 i long to be one that the spirit of God speaks through. but to do so, i have to first offer my life fully to God. to let Him lead me as i lead my life in fear of Him. i knowHe as a plan for me and as such, i will submit my life to Him. all the things i have learnt from quiet time the past few days have been continuing to tell me to trust God and submit my life to Him. this i do with gladness and a willing heart
take my heart and mold it true
to be an offering to you
may it be pleasing in your sight
that i serve you with al my might
that ever more i shall be
a light for all the world to see
that you walk with me each that
that i may follow all the way
may i never fall or falter
my life i place at your altar
each day i shall be ever still
my life for you to do as you will
lesson of the day: submit the desires of your heart to God and trust Him to guide you as you lead your life n the fear of Him!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Day 4 130108 Genesis Chapter 13
Key Verses --> 13: 8-9, 13: 11-13, 13: 14-16
Somehow i feel that God knows my worries and fears here in OCS, for the past few days God has constantly been reminding me of His promises and how He is always faithful to them. like how in verse 14-16 God promised and gave to abam all the land. another point in tha verse is how God bleses those who are faithful and walk closely with Him. that being said, it isnt meant to say that God only blesses those that walk closely with Him with material wealth, He can bless them in many other ways. like with and even stronger walk with Him, or with a family that cares for the person, or by using the person to bring others to Christ. such blessings i would much rather have than material blessings. i guess especially in he area of relationships, friends as well as the special someone that God has planned for me. Even though i do not know as of yet who that is, i guess i have to follow God and let Him bless me with that special person. I will wait on Him and let Him do His will in my life! i have already dedicated my life to Him and i will follow EVEN IF i do not have a partner planned for me.
In verse 8-9 the bible tells us about how Abram is selfless in his givings, to the extent of letting his friend Lot choose where he wants to go. i believe that this whole attitude comes from walking close to God. As we alk close to God, we indeed become more like Him! as such i believe that it was mainly because Abram walked so close to God that He had that much love for his friend Lot. reason being that the choice to let Lot choose where he wanted first is a very big decision. in verse 2 it tells us that Abram was rich in terms of livestock. Therefore, going to a less fertile place would mean that he may be unable to support his herd. but yet he allowed Lot to decide where to go first, even at the risk of losing part of his herd.
finally, in verses 11-13, God told me that sometimes the way that lookes nicest isn't always the best way, once again i am reminded that God always has the best plans in store for us. knowing that really comforts me but above that, it humbles me for 2 reasons.
1. who am i to have anyone pan anything for me? let alone the best for me? but still God did! despite me hurting Him by sinning time and time again.
2. who am i to decide whats best for my life when i know nothing compared to the wisdom of God?
truely i am humbled and amazed. once again i cannot help but dedicate my life to God
Lesson for the day: God keeps His promises and has th best in store for us
Somehow i feel that God knows my worries and fears here in OCS, for the past few days God has constantly been reminding me of His promises and how He is always faithful to them. like how in verse 14-16 God promised and gave to abam all the land. another point in tha verse is how God bleses those who are faithful and walk closely with Him. that being said, it isnt meant to say that God only blesses those that walk closely with Him with material wealth, He can bless them in many other ways. like with and even stronger walk with Him, or with a family that cares for the person, or by using the person to bring others to Christ. such blessings i would much rather have than material blessings. i guess especially in he area of relationships, friends as well as the special someone that God has planned for me. Even though i do not know as of yet who that is, i guess i have to follow God and let Him bless me with that special person. I will wait on Him and let Him do His will in my life! i have already dedicated my life to Him and i will follow EVEN IF i do not have a partner planned for me.
In verse 8-9 the bible tells us about how Abram is selfless in his givings, to the extent of letting his friend Lot choose where he wants to go. i believe that this whole attitude comes from walking close to God. As we alk close to God, we indeed become more like Him! as such i believe that it was mainly because Abram walked so close to God that He had that much love for his friend Lot. reason being that the choice to let Lot choose where he wanted first is a very big decision. in verse 2 it tells us that Abram was rich in terms of livestock. Therefore, going to a less fertile place would mean that he may be unable to support his herd. but yet he allowed Lot to decide where to go first, even at the risk of losing part of his herd.
finally, in verses 11-13, God told me that sometimes the way that lookes nicest isn't always the best way, once again i am reminded that God always has the best plans in store for us. knowing that really comforts me but above that, it humbles me for 2 reasons.
1. who am i to have anyone pan anything for me? let alone the best for me? but still God did! despite me hurting Him by sinning time and time again.
2. who am i to decide whats best for my life when i know nothing compared to the wisdom of God?
truely i am humbled and amazed. once again i cannot help but dedicate my life to God
Lesson for the day: God keeps His promises and has th best in store for us
Day 3 120108 Acts Chapter 26
Key veses --> 26:17-18, 26:19, 26:22, 26:29
yet another day of learning! indeed God is teaching me yet more about His faithfulness and Hs great plans, acts 26 actually has a grea deal of lessons to be learnt. for one, it is constantly reminding me or rather reminded me that God can use anyone. even someone that hates Him! people like Saul and Moses.
From verses 12-18 it tells me the story of how God changed and showed sal the way. indeed if he can use Saul, God can use me! i want to be whole-heartedly and truely committed to God in all things, especially my thought life. i want to be fully committed to God and His plan for me.
Verses 17-18 also once again tellls nd shows me how God has a plan for you. it shows how he know best and will protect us from all things. He will not let anything that He does not want to happen to us befall us. to put it in its most basic and simple terms, when God asks us to do something, He has already prepared the way. we only need to trust in Him. as it was said in verse 17 that He would rescue paul from His own people. that is he promise of protection over paulso that paul can do God's work. Inthe same way, i have trust that God has already prepared the way for me inOCS. He ill ony allow that which is beneficial to me to befall me for ultimatly it is His will that i seek to fufill.
Verse 19 reminds m that i have to be obedient to God's will. which means that even if God chooses or me to go or not to go into fulltime, i will obey. i just have to follow His will for my life.
Verse 22, a simple verse that remind and encourages me for i know that my source of strength and courage is Christ alone! for in the vese it says that paul had God's help to that very day. that tells us three things,
1. God kept His promise in verse 17.
2. God protects and honours us as we do His work. Protecting not only in the meaning of physical protection but rather more like giving us the assurance that He is in control and that even if we do get hurt physically, we know that He will not allow anything that He doesnt want to happen happen to us.
3. We like paul should give all glory and honour to God! we should trust and depend on Him completely!
Verse 29 tells me a very simple thing. that like paul i should have a heartfor the people around me, not just those i know and like but all those who are around me. the people i dont know and the people i dont really like. i guesswhen put into context of my life it means to be a light for Christ! which connects to my last two quiet times!
Lesson of the da: when God calls, He has already prepared the way, we only need to trust Him and follow!
yet another day of learning! indeed God is teaching me yet more about His faithfulness and Hs great plans, acts 26 actually has a grea deal of lessons to be learnt. for one, it is constantly reminding me or rather reminded me that God can use anyone. even someone that hates Him! people like Saul and Moses.
From verses 12-18 it tells me the story of how God changed and showed sal the way. indeed if he can use Saul, God can use me! i want to be whole-heartedly and truely committed to God in all things, especially my thought life. i want to be fully committed to God and His plan for me.
Verses 17-18 also once again tellls nd shows me how God has a plan for you. it shows how he know best and will protect us from all things. He will not let anything that He does not want to happen to us befall us. to put it in its most basic and simple terms, when God asks us to do something, He has already prepared the way. we only need to trust in Him. as it was said in verse 17 that He would rescue paul from His own people. that is he promise of protection over paulso that paul can do God's work. Inthe same way, i have trust that God has already prepared the way for me inOCS. He ill ony allow that which is beneficial to me to befall me for ultimatly it is His will that i seek to fufill.
Verse 19 reminds m that i have to be obedient to God's will. which means that even if God chooses or me to go or not to go into fulltime, i will obey. i just have to follow His will for my life.
Verse 22, a simple verse that remind and encourages me for i know that my source of strength and courage is Christ alone! for in the vese it says that paul had God's help to that very day. that tells us three things,
1. God kept His promise in verse 17.
2. God protects and honours us as we do His work. Protecting not only in the meaning of physical protection but rather more like giving us the assurance that He is in control and that even if we do get hurt physically, we know that He will not allow anything that He doesnt want to happen happen to us.
3. We like paul should give all glory and honour to God! we should trust and depend on Him completely!
Verse 29 tells me a very simple thing. that like paul i should have a heartfor the people around me, not just those i know and like but all those who are around me. the people i dont know and the people i dont really like. i guesswhen put into context of my life it means to be a light for Christ! which connects to my last two quiet times!
Lesson of the da: when God calls, He has already prepared the way, we only need to trust Him and follow!
Day2 100108 Joshua Chapter 1
Key Verses --> 1: 3, 1: 7-8, 1: 9, 1:17
Yet another chapter with so much to learn. Joshua 1:3 tells me of how God is faithful in His promises. As He promisedso He gives. It indeed is good to know that we have a God that does not make empty promises. And it is something that has hugely and greatly encouraged me today because i know He has a plan for me. He has a plan fr each one of us and that being His promise, i know He will keep it. I know then that it is in His plan for me o be here and me being here is a part of Him fufilling His promises in my life.
in Joshua 1: 6-8, these are indeed timely verses for me today, especially after what my PC said about not all of us will be making it through OCS, i was really quite scared. but these verses tell me to be strong and courages and to at the same time follow His word and His laws.Timely indeed because i knw im prone to wanting to please men. but these verses remind me that even though this process will be tough i have to be strong and courageous but at the same time live my life to please God. Indeed i pray that this is what i will do.
This leads me to Joshua 1:9 where i know i have to be strong and courageous because God is with me. if my God is for me, no one can be against me. i have been reminded once again to put all my worries for OCS and the process of going into and through OCS into His hands and allow God to bring me through! then and only then can i say that the bar rank on my shoulders is His and not mine. i pray for the constant awareness of God and the constant awareness that i am indeed declaring His name.
Joshua 1:17 talks about obeying the authority that God has placed over you. by this i know that the commanders in platoon 2 were placed over me fo a reason. be it to build up my dicipline(which i know i lack) or my character. i will submit to the authority for all authority is given by God. and i will sumbit to the authority given and placed over me because i know God has a reason and purose for it. God has been good to me
Lesson of the day: God is always faithful.. live life for God and only God!
Yet another chapter with so much to learn. Joshua 1:3 tells me of how God is faithful in His promises. As He promisedso He gives. It indeed is good to know that we have a God that does not make empty promises. And it is something that has hugely and greatly encouraged me today because i know He has a plan for me. He has a plan fr each one of us and that being His promise, i know He will keep it. I know then that it is in His plan for me o be here and me being here is a part of Him fufilling His promises in my life.
in Joshua 1: 6-8, these are indeed timely verses for me today, especially after what my PC said about not all of us will be making it through OCS, i was really quite scared. but these verses tell me to be strong and courages and to at the same time follow His word and His laws.Timely indeed because i knw im prone to wanting to please men. but these verses remind me that even though this process will be tough i have to be strong and courageous but at the same time live my life to please God. Indeed i pray that this is what i will do.
This leads me to Joshua 1:9 where i know i have to be strong and courageous because God is with me. if my God is for me, no one can be against me. i have been reminded once again to put all my worries for OCS and the process of going into and through OCS into His hands and allow God to bring me through! then and only then can i say that the bar rank on my shoulders is His and not mine. i pray for the constant awareness of God and the constant awareness that i am indeed declaring His name.
Joshua 1:17 talks about obeying the authority that God has placed over you. by this i know that the commanders in platoon 2 were placed over me fo a reason. be it to build up my dicipline(which i know i lack) or my character. i will submit to the authority for all authority is given by God. and i will sumbit to the authority given and placed over me because i know God has a reason and purose for it. God has been good to me
Lesson of the day: God is always faithful.. live life for God and only God!
Day1 090108 Philipians Chapter 1
Key Verses --> 1: 12-14, 1: 20-21, 1: 27-29
so much to be learnt from this one chapter alone. Verses 12-24 => even though i feel constantly tired and pressurised here in OCS, i know that i'm put here for a reason. for God to use me to shine His light. I want to be bound to Christ as paul was and by doing so encourage not only the people i share my life with in church to shine and shout it out, but also the christians in my platoon.
Verses 20-21 are indeed common verses used may a times to encourage and show how committed we should be. but the true meaning i feel lies in verse 20. to be unafraid to exalt christ in my body. I.E. living my life as a testimony to God. its pointless to just dedicate my life to God but not let Him take control or be too afraid to show my faith out. Indeed i want to live my faith out as i dedicate my life to Christ, as i walk this path to going full-time.
Verses 27-29 tells us to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel. without being frightened in anyway by those who oppose you. indeed this speaks of the volume and the amount of faith we should have in our Lord and saviour. in all things we HAV E to conduct ouselves so that others will know we are of Him! also, whilst conducting ourselves, we should not be afraid of what others will think.. seek God's approval, not that of men! Philipians 3:7-10 says wh i want to be and it ties in so perfectly with today's Quiet Time. i know what God put me here fore! (well at least one of the reasons why.) it wont be easy, especially with ll the training and hardships to come. but God is the strength of my heart and i will look to Him and trust that He will help me lead my life as a living testimony to His name!
Lesson of the day: God has a plan for my life, to glorify His name and to conduct myself in a mannr worthy of the gospel! i will trust Him and seek His approval and not that of men!
so much to be learnt from this one chapter alone. Verses 12-24 => even though i feel constantly tired and pressurised here in OCS, i know that i'm put here for a reason. for God to use me to shine His light. I want to be bound to Christ as paul was and by doing so encourage not only the people i share my life with in church to shine and shout it out, but also the christians in my platoon.
Verses 20-21 are indeed common verses used may a times to encourage and show how committed we should be. but the true meaning i feel lies in verse 20. to be unafraid to exalt christ in my body. I.E. living my life as a testimony to God. its pointless to just dedicate my life to God but not let Him take control or be too afraid to show my faith out. Indeed i want to live my faith out as i dedicate my life to Christ, as i walk this path to going full-time.
Verses 27-29 tells us to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel. without being frightened in anyway by those who oppose you. indeed this speaks of the volume and the amount of faith we should have in our Lord and saviour. in all things we HAV E to conduct ouselves so that others will know we are of Him! also, whilst conducting ourselves, we should not be afraid of what others will think.. seek God's approval, not that of men! Philipians 3:7-10 says wh i want to be and it ties in so perfectly with today's Quiet Time. i know what God put me here fore! (well at least one of the reasons why.) it wont be easy, especially with ll the training and hardships to come. but God is the strength of my heart and i will look to Him and trust that He will help me lead my life as a living testimony to His name!
Lesson of the day: God has a plan for my life, to glorify His name and to conduct myself in a mannr worthy of the gospel! i will trust Him and seek His approval and not that of men!
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